Asbestos-Cement Water Pipes

Yes. At the end of 2022, about 32% or 139,511 linear metres of Medicine Hat's underground water pipes are made of asbestos-cement (A-C). 

The majority of the water system is polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and some pipes are cast-iron, steel or concrete-pressure.

No. Health Canada has not established a maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) for asbestos in drinking water.

The City of Medicine Hat tests according to the regulations set forth by Health Canada, Alberta Health, our approval to operate a waterworks system through the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act under Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, and best practices outlined by the Canadian Water and Wastewater Association.

The City of Medicine Hat is prepared to adjust if and when any of these regulations should change, to continue compliance for water safety standards.

No. A-C pipe is no longer manufactured and has not been installed in Canadian municipal water systems for decades. In 2015, A-C pipe was removed from the National Building Code.

Asbestos-cement pipe was first used in Medicine Hat’s water system in 1960, with the majority of A-C pipe installed in the early 1970’s. The last asbestos cement pipe in Medicine Hat was installed in 1981, after polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe became the dominant material in the industry.

There is no regulatory direction to remove A-C pipes from municipal water networks in Canada. However, since the material is no longer in production, A-C pipe is replaced though ongoing annual asset management to replace aging infrastructure and the amount of A-C pipe decreases year after year.

It is generally accepted practice in Medicine Hat that A-C pipe be removed and replaced during any construction that exposes such pipe.

The Canadian Water and Wastewater Association maintains that there is no evidence of any significant amounts of asbestos fibers entering water systems from leaching or deterioration of A-C pipes. 

Asbestos is a natural occurring fibre and may be released into drinking water sources from runoff of mining tailings, improperly disposed contaminated household wastes, and stream and groundwater contact with asbestos-bearing bedrock.

It is well-documented that adverse health effects from asbestos are associated primarily with inhalation of fibers, however, Health Canada and the World Health Organization have concluded that there is no consistent, convincing evidence that asbestos ingested through water is harmful to your health.

The City relies on Health Canada's Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality and the City's approval to operate a waterworks system through Alberta Environment and Protected Areas to inform decisions relating to water safety and A-C pipes.

Read more about what Health Canada has to say about asbestos cement pipes and asbestos fibres in drinking water.