Lead Pipe Replacement Program

Who is eligible?

• Residential property owners in Ottawa whose homes are served by municipal water and may have lead water service pipes (typically homes built before 1958)

Who is not eligible

• Commercial buildings
• Industrial buildings
• Institutional buildings
• Multi-residential properties

Eligible expenses

• Excavation and replacement costs of the private section of the lead water pipe, when the public section has been replaced or will be within the next two years.
• Complete replacement cost of the lead water connection (private and public sections).
• Provision of a reusable pitcher and a supply of approximately one year of NSF 53 certified water filters, to eliminate lead in tap water while waiting for the pipes to be replaced.

Eligible geographic areas

• City of Ottawa

• Step 1: Identify Lead Water Service Pipe
  • Determine if your home may have a lead water service pipe, especially if built before 1958.
  • Inspect the visible pipe section in your basement; scratch the pipe with sandpaper to check if it is dull grey and soft (lead) or red-brown (copper).
  • If unsure, input your address using the City's online tool or contact info-water@ottawa.ca or call 3-1-1 for assistance.
• Step 2: Request Water Quality Test (if applicable)
  • If concerned about lead, request a free water quality test by contacting the City (call 3-1-1).
• Step 3: Determine Replacement Type
  • Decide whether to pursue partial (private-only) or full (private and public) lead pipe replacement.
• Step 4: Apply for the Lead Pipe Replacement Program
  • Contact the City of Ottawa for application details and forms. Reference the rebate or full replacement options depending on your situation.
  • For more information and to initiate your application, email info-water@ottawa.ca or call 3-1-1.
• Step 5: Review and Administration (Full Replacement Only)
  • For full replacement, City staff coordinate and administer the property owner's project through a Construction Agreement.
  • Options to defer the private portion cost via a loan may be provided.
• Step 6: Await City Review and Next Steps
  • The City will review your application and provide next steps or requests for further documentation.

• Homes at higher risk typically date from before 1958, as lead water service pipes were used in their construction.
• Water quality testing for lead can be performed free of charge by city staff if requested.
• Households meeting certain criteria may receive a reusable pitcher and up to a year’s supply of NSF-53 certified water filters while awaiting pipe replacement.
• The City maintains ongoing water lead monitoring and provides routine public updates on water quality standards and safety measures.