Since the City of Brandon first announced that high lead levels had been found in the water of some older Brandon homes, a total of 337 residents have purchased testing kits.
According to the city’s engineering department, the results are back for 222 homes. The individual results will not be released to the public, but the city will be working on a plan once all results are in.
COUNCIL TO HEAR ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVESFrom Earth Day celebrations to the Green Cart composting program, city council will receive an update on Brandon's environmental initiatives at Monday's meeting.Also on the agenda is the demolition of the former Brandon Inn and the former Brandon Real Estate Board office.Six tenders were received in total. The engineering department will make a recommendation to council for the company with the lowest bid.The chair and vice-chair of the Brandon Police Board will be appointed. As well, two citizen appointments will be made to Brandon Planning Commission.Council will also give third reading to a by-law regarding the re-zoning of property at 3000 Richmond Ave. East from DR development reserve zone to MG industrial general zone.Council meets Monday at 7:30 p.m. at city hall.» Brandon Sun
“People are still coming in, still asking for sample bottles, so it’s going to be a while before we have the opportunity to really take a look at the number of samples that have come in, what the various locations are, and then from that, start to develop a plan,” said the city’s general manager of development services, Ted Snure.
Last month, the city released results of a provincial study, showing lead contamination in excess of the current national drinking water standards. In one case, the lead concentration was nearly five times the Canadian standard.
City officials announced that older homes, built before 1950 are most likely to have a lead service connection. The lead concerns do not relate to the city’s water treatment facility or the distribution system.
The provincial pilot project study was undertaken in 2012. It looked at the lead levels in tap water in select homes and buildings in Brandon, Winnipeg, Portage la Prairie and Steinbach.
Results of 11 out of 20 homes tested in Brandon were released last month. The homes tested ranged from 0.5 to 49.5 micrograms per litre. The provincial standard for lead concentration in drinking water is 10 micrograms per litre.
Results of the final nine homes were at or below the national guideline, according to a provincial spokesperson.
Residents can pick up a self-testing kit from the city’s engineering department on the second floor of city hall. The kit and testing cost $45. However, if the individual lives in the identified areas where pre-1950 lead connections may exist, the cost is $20.
» jaustin@brandonsun.com
Republished from the Brandon Sun print edition March 2, 2013
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