New data released by the city has Toronto residents concerned high levels of lead in their tap water, but the public works chair said he's been assured the water is safe.

A new study found unsafe levels of lead in the tap water samples taken from 13 per cent of Toronto homes tested in the past six years.

The data came from approximately 15,000 samples that were taken from Toronto taps between 2008 and 2014. The study was conducted by the city's Residential Lead Testing Program, a non-regulated service that is provided free to residents concerned that there may be lead in their water.

Despite residents' fears, Coun. Denzil Minnan-Wong said that his staff has assured him the city's water is safe for consumption.

Minnan-Wong, who is the chair of Toronto Public Works, told CP24 that lead water service pipes are the cause of the high levels.

He said the data may not be up to date, since it's been gathered over a six-year period and water is constantly being tested and treated by the city.

The Lead in Drinking Water Mitigation Strategy was approved by City Council in 2011, and measures have been taken since then to enhance the city's drinking water.

The city is working to reduce the amount of lead in the water system, replacing old pipes every year and adding phosphates to the treatment process, he said.

Still, Minnan-Wong encouraged residents to bring samples to a nearby Public Health office if they're concerned.

Free water testing kits are available to Toronto residents living in older single family homes, the most likely to have lead pipes, and can be obtained by calling 311.

What to do if you're worried about lead levels

The majority of unsafe levels were found in aging neighbourhoods with old infrastructure, such as High Park, Lawrence Park, the Annex and East York.

Lead pipes are commonly found in houses built before the 1950s, and the city estimates that there are 40,000 Toronto homes that have lead pipes.

Newer homes are unlikely to have lead water pipes, but faucets or valves may contain lead. Lead was also used to solder pipes together until 1990.

Regardless of age, apartment buildings and other residential buildings with more than six units do not have lead water services, the city's website said.

The city advises anyone living in an older home to contact a licensed plumber or home inspector to examine their pipes.

If the pipes are lead, Toronto Public Health recommends replacing the pipes, or installing an end-of-tap water filter certified by the National Sanitation Foundation.

Exposure to lead can affect brain and nerve growth, and is most dangerous to pregnant women, children under 6 and infants.

Toronto Public Health advises residents to reduce lead exposure by:

  • Using only cold water for cooking and drinking.
  • Pouring cold, filtered tap water, boiling it then letting it cool for baby formula.
  • Run taps for at least one minute before filling a glass.
  • Conserving water by using a pitcher to store it in a fridge, rather than flushing the pipes for every glass.
  • Showering and flushing toilets often.

Boiling water will not remove lead, the website warns. More tips and information can be found here.