By Julian Branch
It has been almost two-years since CTV’s W5 aired a segment on asbestos cement water mains in Canada. What has happened since has turned out to be expected, perplexing, and quite troubling. The investigative news report painted a disturbing picture of a lot of asbestos cement pipe in Canada, as well as proof that the deadly fibres are entering the water, when the old water pipes deteriorate and break. Federal studies from two decades ago talk about cancer, but Canadians continued to be assured by that same federal government that there is insufficient evidence to show that swallowing asbestos causes any harm.
Jurisdictional Examples
Within days of the March 24, 2023 W5 report, journalists fanned out across the country to see what was happening in their communities. In Vernon, B.C., a March 30 follow-up on the Castanet website declared “Greater Vernon has more than 200 km of asbestos-concrete pipe delivering your water and is unsure of its condition.”
The article says the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) takes the position that ingested asbestos is “not a concern.” It does not test for asbestos in water.
Although asbestos cement pipes make up close to one-third of Vernon’s water distribution system, the RDNO has no idea what shape the pipes are in. “The RDNO’s own report notes that the physical condition of its own assets is not known, as they are underground, and the age of the pipes is used to estimate its condition,” reads the story.
A March 28 story, which appeared on CTV News Vancouver Island, had Mayor Leonard Krog assuring residents that the City of Nanaimo tested the water for asbestos, and that it was safe to drink. Nanaimo has approximately 100 km of asbestos cement water pipe. A subsequent FOI request has shown that Nanaimo tested city water for asbestos at one location once, in 2007.
City of Nanaimo publications from 2013, and 2022 show that asbestos cement water pipes continue to break. How can the mayor assure residents there is no asbestos in the water if it hasn’t tested for almost two decades?
Residents of West Vancouver discovered they were having their asbestos cement water pipes replaced. They wrote to the local municipality to ask questions such as why weren’t they informed the work was being done, and the actual locations of the pipes? In June of 2024, the residents received an email from the District of West Vancouver, which reads in part; “Regarding the specific questions in your previous email attached, 1 and 3 through five, please be aware that due to limited staff resources, requests for detailed information that is not readily available will not be addressed if it requires staff time to research, analyze and compile. While we understand this is not the answer you had hoped for, we thank you for understanding.” None of the residents’ questions were answered.
In Calgary AB, there are close to 70 kilometres of asbestos cement water pipes. They are concentrated mainly in the community of Lake Bonavista. City documents show there have been at least 74 asbestos cement water main breaks in Lake Bonavista in the past two years. Residents are not informed they have asbestos cement water pipes. The water is not tested for asbestos at breaks.
Canadian View
Health Canada made the determination not to regulate asbestos in water in 1989. Reviews in 2005, 2013, 2018, and very recently in 2023-24 upheld that decision. “Overall, the currently available body of evidence is insufficient to establish a clear link between asbestos contamination in drinking water and adverse health effects,” reads the study released in October. Yet National Research Council (NRC) studies from 2005-2012 repeatedly refer to asbestos fibres in the water, from old pipes, as a “health concern.” One 2010 example in particular refers to cancer.
American View
The United States has regulated asbestos in water since 1992. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fact sheets from 1995 explain the long-term health effects of ingested asbestos are “lung disease; cancer.” The Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) was set at seven million fibres per litre (7 MFL). The American Cancer Society highlights swallowing asbestos, and “water that flows through asbestos cement pipes” on the asbestos and cancer risk page of its website.
Common Sense
W5 produced a thought-provoking program. What has followed is a combination of spin, misinformation, disinformation, and a complete lack of information regarding asbestos cement water pipes. The problem with the pipes will only continue to worsen, as they age, deteriorate, and break. It’s time for some common sense, and straight talk on this important, and largely overlooked health issue.
Julian Branch is a former journalist, and a current communications professional. Julian is a firm believer that persistence pays off, and democracy dies in darkness.