Residential Lead Monitoring Program


The Office of Drinking Water began phasing in lead testing requirements in 2019, beginning with Manitoba’s largest and oldest water systems with known or suspected lead service lines. Water systems selected to implement the Residential Lead Monitoring Program will receive notification from the Office of Drinking Water, directing owners/operators to begin testing as per the instructions outlined in the Operational Guideline on Residential Lead Monitoring Program.

Water systems that did not receive notification yet, but wish to begin testing, should contact their regional drinking water officer before initiating testing.

The Office of Drinking Water has prepared materials to assist owners/operators in developing and implementing their Residential Lead Monitoring Program, including templates designed for communicating and notifying residents of the program.


Program Development

If your community has been selected to sample for lead in the water distribution system, please follow the step-by-step process noted in the:

Communication Plan

Communicate the upcoming Lead Sampling Program to your community. Templates can be found below.

Notification of Results

Several notification templates have been developed and are available below:

The following templates can also be used as “door hangers” in your community to provide additional information on your Lead Sampling Program and/or if there is a lead service line replacement program for your water system:

*IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE WATER SYSTEM TO COMMUNICATE LEAD TESTING RESULTS TO HOMEOWNERS WITHIN 30 DAYS, WITHOUT PROVIDING THAT INFORMATION (names / sample locations) TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC.