The City of Thunder Bay's water authority is currently assessing various strategies to combat lead corrosion in thousands of homes and other locations, while assuring that the city's drinking water system remains in compliance with all provincial safety standards. The city's environment division has released an annual report detailing the water quality testing results from January 1 to December 31, 2025. The report includes an update on the lead corrosion control program, which is crucial as lead can pose a health hazard when it leaches into drinking water. There are approximately 8,000 privately-owned and 5,500 publicly-owned lead service connections in Thunder Bay. The city has previously attempted to use sodium hydroxide to reduce acidity and lower the risk of leaching, but had to abandon this practice in 2020 due to numerous copper water pipes developing pinhole leaks. As an interim solution, the city has provided water filters and replacement cartridges to homeowners at no cost to remove lead. This program has been extended through 2026. The water authority is also working with the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks and the Thunder Bay District Health Unit to explore other corrosion control methods that could be implemented in the future. In the meantime, the environment division recommends that households flush their pipes regularly before consumption, especially those with lead service pipes. The city offers loans to residents to help offset the cost of replacing water pipes with lead components on the homeowner's side of the property line and is working on the long-term replacement of publicly-owned lead services. Last year, the city replaced 107 municipally-owned lead services. The city's 2023 water authority financial plan includes a $25 million investment in lead service replacement over the next two decades. However, the Canadian Environmental Law Association has urged the city to expedite the elimination of lead connections, suggesting broader income criteria for low-interest loans and grants for homeowners. This has sparked a debate on the best approach to ensuring safe drinking water for all residents.
