The CBRM Water Utility is seeking volunteers for the 2026 annual lead and copper sampling program for residential tap water. This program is open only to water customers of the CBRM Water Utility; homes that use a private well are not eligible.
The Water Utility routinely monitors water quality within distribution systems. In 2020, Nova Scotia Environment introduced additional requirements for lead and copper sampling within customers’ homes.
This free sampling program will be provided to 150 residences served by the municipal water system (Sydney, Glace Bay, Northside, New Waterford, Louisbourg, Floral Heights and Centreville).
Participants will be accepted on a first‑come, first‑served basis. Sampling activities will not begin until July.
This water sampling will determine if lead and copper are present in customers’ tap water, and each participant will receive a results letter. While these metals can occur naturally, the most common source in drinking water is the leaching of plumbing materials such as pipes, solder, faucets, and fittings. Copper remains an acceptable plumbing material, but lead is no longer permitted.
In 2019, Health Canada lowered the maximum acceptable concentration for lead in drinking water from 0.010 mg/L to 0.005 mg/L, and introduced a new maximum acceptable concentration for copper of 2 mg/L.