Lead Sampling Programme
In-home water testing
The City of Westmount’s annual lead sampling programme involves the testing of water at private residences throughout the City. This programme aligns with the guidelines of the Ministère de l’Environnement, et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP) for evaluating lead content in drinking water. Eligibility for the programme is based on the likelihood for lead service entries, which connect the municipal water network to a residence, in the area where a home is located.
If yours is a single-family home or a residential building of 8 units of less, built before 1971, that has not previously been tested by the City, you may proceed to fill out the form below. Your request for water testing will first be evaluated for your home’s eligibility. If your home is considered eligible for the programme, you will be contacted as testing slots become available.
The City of Montreal’s water service produces the water that is distributed by Westmount’s network. This water is of excellent quality and contains practically no lead. However, lead can sometimes dissolve into the drinking water when it stagnates or flows through lead plumbing components. This can lead to an increased concentration of lead at the tap, potentially exceeding the quality standard set by the Gouvernement du Québec.
Currently, the provincial standard for lead content in drinking water is 5 micrograms per litre. As some homes and buildings in Westmount may exceed this standard, the City is engaged in a lead elimination programme which includes water testing in private residences. To learn more about the programme in full, consult westmount.org/lead.
Sign up for water testing
For 2025, there are 250 tests available at no cost to residents. If you are interested in taking part in the water sampling programme, please communicate your interest and the City will contact you in the spring to make an appointment.
Important information:
- A limited number of tests is allotted annually on a first come, first served basis.
- Tests must be conducted between July and September of each year.
- Testing appointments require approximately 45 minutes.
- Water testing is performed by an independent and accredited laboratory mandated by the City.
- The technician will verify the material of the private water service entry inside the home during the appointment for testing. This information will be collected by the City.
Water testing in private residences is based on voluntary participation. All participating residents will be informed of their test results via a personalized letter when the study is complete. Otherwise, the results remain confidential.