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1. Does Cochrane have asbestos-cement (A-C) water pipe?

According to our records, Cochrane has 7.818kms of in-service AC (asbestos-cement) piping intermittently installed in areas constructed between 1969-2000.

The majority of the water system is plastic/polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

2. Do we test for asbestos in the water system?

No. There is no maximum allowable concentration (MAC) for asbestos in drinking water according to Health Canada.

Cochrane Operations continues to follow all water safety & testing recommendations established by Health Canada. Staff work around the clock to make sure Cochrane’s water tastes delicious and exceeds provincial requirements for safety. If regulations set by Health Canada should change in any capacity, Cochrane is prepared to adjust to continue in compliance with set standards.

3. Will you be replacing (A-C) pipes in Cochrane?

The removal of A-C pipes from local water networks in Canada is not mandated by any regulations. Since this material is no longer manufactured, A-C pipe is removed and replaced as required through annual asset management and maintenance of aging infrastructure.

Cochrane continues to monitor Health Canada guidelines for A-C piping and will adapt our operations to accommodate any changes.

4. Are there adverse health effects from asbestos in drinking water?

Health Canada and the World Health Organization have concluded that there is no consistent, convincing evidence that asbestos ingested through water is harmful to your health. If you drink water containing asbestos fibres, you eliminate the fibres, mostly through feces. For this reason, Health Canada has not established drinking water guidelines for asbestos.¹

 

More on asbestos in drinking water.

 

1. Health Canada (2021, November 16). Asbestos in drinking water. Https://www.Canada.ca/en/Health-Canada/. Retrieved April 4, 2023, from https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/healthy-living/asbestos-drinking-water-infographic-2021.html