Lead Service Replacement Rebate Program

During the course of planning or construction of a City road reconstruction project, the Environment and Infrastructure Services Department will complete in-house or service box inspections to locate private-side lead services in an approved rebate project area.  If access is refused to City staff the property may not be eligible for the program.  Properties are typically eligible for the rebate within one year of the road reconstruction project.

Where private-side lead services are confirmed by City staff the City will issue a letter, which will be hand delivered to the property and mailed to the registered owner of the property at the address on file with the City.  This letter will confirm whether the property is eligible for the rebate program. 

Application for the rebate program can be made when a private-side lead water service has been replaced within one calendar year (either before or after) a City road reconstruction project, where the City has notified you that your private-side water line is lead or lead-containing.

The rebate will apply for the partial costs incurred for lead service replacement of the private-side portion of the water service (i.e., from the property line to the exterior of the building).

The rebate will apply for 50% of the eligible costs up to a payable maximum of $3,000 per property.

Eligible costs include:

1. Pipe installation and all pertinent works, such as earth excavation, bedding, piping and fittings, connections, backfill, compaction, final grading of the backfill, removal and disposal of the existing pipework and soil, etc.,
2. New water meter package (required),
3. Building Permit (required).

Per Municipal Code Chapter 1019 - Drinking Water System, any replacement of a lead service line would require a new meter package as outlined under 1019.5.5 (c):

(c)  In the event the municipal water service line and or the plumbing system within a building are upgraded, a current water meter package must be purchased from the City in accordance with Schedule ‘A’ of Municipal Code Chapter 459 and it shall be installed at the property owner’s expense.

Ineligible Costs include, but are not limited to:

1. Internal building plumbing lines or fixtures,
2. Above grade restoration works, such as lawn, landscaping, driveways, walkways, etc.,
3. Harmonized Sales Tax and other taxes or fees, as applicable.

Ineligible costs would not be covered by the rebate program and would need to be paid for in full by the property owner at their own expense.

The Registered Owner(s), or the Authorized Agent of Registered Owner(s), of the property or properties where the private-side lead service has been replaced should submit a complete application form along with the appropriate supporting documentation as set out in the Application and the Application Guide.

There is no fee for the application.

Application for Lead Service Rebate Program

Application Guide

Application - City Portion (to be completed by City Staff and will be required as part of your application).

Application - Contractor Portion (to be completed by your Contractor and will be required as part of your application).

Vendor Direct Deposit Form

Where can I find more information about lead water services?

Government of Ontario - Information for Property Owners about Lead Water Service Line Replacement

If you have a confirmed lead service, you can purchase a home treatment device to reduce your exposure to lead, but you should make sure it is independently certified for that purpose and properly maintained. Contact a local plumber for assistance. Of note:

1. Home treatment devices use various types of filter materials.
2. The effectiveness of these devices in reducing lead can vary greatly, so it is important that the model you select is certified to reduce lead according to NSF/ANSI-53.
3. Make sure to maintain the device as specified by the manufacturer. Failure to do so may result in exposure to higher lead levels.