City responds to W5 program about asbestos-cement water pipe

Medicine Hat – Data about Medicine Hat’s water distribution system was included in a weekend episode of the CTV network’s W5 program. “Something in the Water” discussed the use of asbestos-cement (A-C) pipe in municipal water infrastructure.

Contributors in the episode claim asbestos fibres from A-C pipe may enter the water stream and be ingested.

Residents who are interested to learn about A-C water pipes in Medicine Hat, and the possibility of asbestos fibers in drinking water, may visit a new question and answer page on the City’s website at www.medicinehat.ca/waterpipes.

“The City of Medicine Hat follows Health Canada’s Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality, which currently does not require testing for asbestos,” said Pat Bohan, director of City Assets. “The most important thing for our residents to know is that Medicine Hat’s water distribution system meets or exceeds all regulations in delivering safe, clean drinking water to residents.”

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