Ministry of the Environment, Conservation, and Parks (MECP) enforces the Ontario Regulation 243/07 which requires all schools, private schools and child care centres to sample and test drinking water to measure the concentration of lead against the provincial drinking water guidelines for lead. The samples must be taken from all drinking water fountains and taps that are used for preparation of food or for drinking purposes for consumption by children under the age of 18. The maximum acceptable concentration for lead in drinking water in Ontario is 10ug/L.
For more information on provincial rules relating to lead testing in schools, please visit:
- Safe Drinking Water Act
- Ontario Regulation 243/07 – new amendments to this regulation came into effect July 1, 2017
Or contact the MECP at:
- Telephone: 416-325-4000
- Toll Free: 1-800-565-4923
- Fax: 416-314-6713
Role of Schools, Private Schools and Child Care Centres
All schools, private schools and child care centres are required to notify the MECP, Ministry of Education and the Public Health Unit for all samples that exceedances. The fixture should be rendered inaccessible (stop using the fixture) as soon as the laboratory results are received.
Role of Windsor-Essex County Health Unit
The Medical Officer of Health will provide directions for corrective actions upon receiving the report. These may include (but not limited to):
- Resampling and increased flushing
- Installing NSF certified filter where applicable
- Replacing the fixture and installing new fixture (preferably NSF certified)
A resample will be necessary to confirm if the corrective action taken is working properly and the water from the drinking water fixture is below the maximum acceptable concentration for lead. The fixture can be permanently rendered unusable if all solutions do not correct the problem.
Learn more about Lead in Drinking Water.