Montréal’s municipal drinking water is of excellent quality. However, it is possible that some fountains are connected to the municipal waterworks network through a lead water service line and/or are composed of internal plumbing with lead alloys. Lead can then dissolve into the water, especially after long periods of stagnation. It is likely that after results from screening are known, some water fountains may be closed due to lead in the plumbing. 

The Direction régionale de santé publique de Montréal (DRSP) considers that the health risks of lead from water fountains in Montréal’s parks is very low and is not a public health threat. It is safe to drink water from city water fountains.

Since the health risk is low and does not represent a public health threat, according to the DRSP, but access to drinking water is an important issue for vulnerable populations (pregnant women, children under age six, seniors, people with chronic illnesses or mental health issues), work will be done as quickly as possible to replace lead plumbing or water service lines, while considering which mitigation measures could be applied short term. 

Replacing water fountains with lead or lead alloy plumbing or that are connected to lead service lines is the best way to reduce residents’ exposure to water.

Lead in water is a major concern for the city. In order to preserve the well-being of its population, the city has developed a screening protocol for water fountains in parks and municipal buildings, in partnership with the NSERC Industrial Chair on Drinking Water at the École Polytechnique de Montréal. As each water fountain is unique, they will all be screened.