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
'They needed people inside Air Canada:' Police announce arrests in Pearson gold heist
Police say one former and one current employee of Air Canada are among the nine suspects that are facing charges in connection with the gold heist at Pearson International Airport last year.
House admonishes ArriveCan contractor in rare parliamentary show of power
MPs enacted an extraordinary, rarely used parliamentary power on Wednesday, summonsing an ArriveCan contractor to appear before the House of Commons where he was admonished publicly and forced to provide answers to the questions MPs said he'd previously evaded.
Leafs star Auston Matthews finishes season with 69 goals
Auston Matthews won't be joining the NHL's 70-goal club this season.
Trump lawyers say Stormy Daniels refused subpoena outside a Brooklyn bar, papers left 'at her feet'
Donald Trump's legal team says it tried serving Stormy Daniels a subpoena as she arrived for an event at a bar in Brooklyn last month, but the porn actor, who is expected to be a witness at the former president's criminal trial, refused to take it and walked away.
Why drivers in Eastern Canada could see big gas price spikes, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
Doug Ford calls on Ontario Speaker to reverse Queen's Park keffiyeh ban
Ontario Premier Doug Ford is calling on Speaker Ted Arnott to reverse a ban on keffiyehs at Queen's Park, describing the move as “needlessly” divisive.
'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date
A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.
Woman who pressured boyfriend to kill his ex in 2000s granted absences from prison
A woman who pressured her boyfriend into killing his teenage ex more than a decade ago will be allowed to leave prison for weeks at a time.
Customers disappointed after email listing $60K Tim Hortons prize sent in error
Several Tim Horton’s customers are feeling great disappointment after being told by the company that an email stating they won a boat worth nearly $60,000 was sent in error.