Nearly a third of Saskatoon's water-main networks contain asbestos, CTV News investigation finds
Nearly a third of Saskatoon's water-main networks contain asbestos, according to data uncovered by the investigative team at CTV News' W5.
W5 found that 351 kilometres — 29 per cent — of water-main networks are made up of asbestos cement pipes.
While the verdict is still out on the risk posed by drinking water that contains asbestos, some research suggests ingesting the fibres could increase a person's risk of stomach and other gastrointestinal-related cancers.
“We are constantly getting more and more evidence,” Arthur Frank, a physician and professor of public health at Drexel University told W5.
"Some of it going back 50 years, but more and more evidence that it can cause gastrointestinal tract cancers," Frank said.
The location of asbestos cement water mains in Saskatoon, according to a map provided by the city. (CTV News)
Since Health Canada says there is no consistent evidence drinking or ingesting asbestos is harmful, there is currently no limit on how much can be in drinking water.
"If you drink water containing asbestos fibres, you eliminate the fibres, mostly through feces," the agency says on its website.
Health Canada says "there is no consistent, convincing evidence that asbestos ingested through water is harmful to your health."
Julian Branch, a Regina-based former journalist who is now an activist says there’s a "complete and utter lack of political accountability."
"Until asbestos is regulated in Canadian water, Canadians should be very concerned about their drinking water," Branch told W5.
On its website, the City of Saskatoon makes no secret about the fact that some water lines contain asbestos and cites Health Canada's guidance.
"There is no health concern with the use of asbestos cement water mains in the city's distribution system," the city's website says.
The city also notes that Saskatchewan's Water Security Agency does not require asbestos testing as part of Saskatoon's operating permit.
In a statement to CTV News, the city's water director Russ Munro also noted that "asbestos is only a health concern if the fibers are disturbed and they become airborne."
On Monday, when asked about the issue by CTV News, Saskatoon mayor Charlie Clark also pointed to Health Canada's policy.
"They have been doing investigations into this on a repeated basis and have said there is not a threat to the water supply," Clark said.
"We're trying to follow and understand the science on this as well as we are making unprecedented investments in our water mains," Clark said, referencing work underway to replace the remaining lead service lines in the city's water system.
"It's a challenge and not something that can be solved overnight, but we are wanting to ensure that people realize that we have one of the best water supplies in North America."
--With files from Eric Szeto and Tyler Barrow
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Man who set himself on fire outside Trump trial dies of injuries, police say
A man who doused himself in an accelerant and set himself on fire outside the courthouse where former President Donald Trump is on trial has died, police said.
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Saskatoon police to search landfill for remains of woman missing since 2020
Saskatoon police say they will begin searching the city’s landfill for the remains of Mackenzie Lee Trottier, who has been missing for more than three years.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.