The Town of Morris is participating in a Provincial government program regarding residential tap water monitoring, specifically for lead levels. Lead is not natural to Manitoba source waters. It's introduced into drinking water through corrosion of lead-bearing materials in service lines to homes and buildings, and in plumbing systems and fixtures.
"Although, for many residents of the town, we do have a very up-to-date and good water distribution system, there may still be the presence of lead in people's pipes and homes, especially if it's older construction," explained Morris Mayor Scott Crick when outlining the Residential Lead Monitoring program. "So, to help support the Province's initiative, the Town of Morris is offering complementary lead monitoring in August and September. If you have concerns about this, or you have an older home and you're aware you may have older plumbing in it, please reach out to our Public Works Foreman at pwforeman@townofmorris.ca or 204-746-2532 to ask about having your tap water tested."
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. This was prompted by Health Canada lowering the national guideline for lead in drinking water from a maximum acceptable concentration of 0.01 milligrams per litre (mg/L) to 0.005 mg/L based on a sample of water taken at the consumer tap. Manitoba adopted this new guideline as a drinking water quality standard in 2020.
Fundraising events galore
Over the next few days, there are a couple opportunities to show your generosity in the community for two different groups.
"On August 14th, from 7 to 9pm at Morris Big Way, there is a car show, which is normally there on the each Thursday, but they're also doing a corn sale to raise money for the Morris Food Bank," said Crick. "And, the Valley Volunteers Auxiliary of the Red River Valley Lodge are putting on a fundraising barbecue on August 20th from 4 to 7pm at Emmanuel Baptist Church. There is a $7 minimum donation for people that would like to come. It supports a great group that, especially when we had the 50th anniversary last year, you can see the amount of work and love they do put into that particular facility."
You can listen to the entire episode of In the Mayor's Chair, below.