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The City of Guelph offers grants up to $2,000 to help cover the cost of replacing lead pipes on residential properties. The grant usually covers 80 per cent of the cost, depending on the length of the lead service line.
If the City has confirmed there is a lead service line on your property, please contact us to apply for the grant.
Costs covered by the lead replacement grant
Eligible costs
- Building permit fee
- Contractor excavation, back fill and compaction costs strictly related to the private water service line replacement
- Lead pipe removal and disposal costs
- Supply and installation of new water service line and full-bore stop and drain ball valve as per the Ontario Building Code
- Costs of all materials (copper pipe, or plastic pipe including required tracer wire)
- Contractor drilling and patching of water service line building entry hole through foundation or basement floor
Ineligible costs
- Private internal plumbing changes or renovations
- Repair of damage to City-owned sewer, pavement, sidewalk, curbing, signage etc. as a result of the work
- Restoration of any private property impacts or damages to lawns, gardens, driveways, walkways, decks, fences, etc. resulting from the work.
You need a building permit to replace your lead water service
You must apply for the grant and get a building permit before starting any work.
Get the lead out grant application
At least one week before work begins, contact Ontario One Call ontarioonecall.ca or call 1-800-400-2255 to locate any nearby underground utilities.
At least two days before the contractor starts the work, call 519-822-1260 extension 5628 to schedule a time to shut of and restore your water service, and schedule a building inspection appointment.
Have your contractor complete the work and ensure all quoted work is done completely and to your satisfaction. When you water service is restored, have your contractor flush the new water line for at least 20 minutes.
Then you can flush all faucets used for drinking or cooking for at least 10 minutes each, remove and wash all faucet aerators, run an empty cycle of your dishwasher and wash the filters.
Pay your contractor 100 per cent of the incurred costs and submit your invoice(s) and proof of payment to the City. When the City confirms the work is completed, you will receive your grant.
Water Services will return to test the water for lead to confirm that lead levels have reduced.
For more information
Water Services
519-822-1260 extension 2263
[email protected]