Metro Vancouver’s upcoming drinking water pH adjustment 

Source: Metro Vancouver

In early June 2021, Metro Vancouver is planning to increase the pH and alkalinity of the region’s drinking water through the use of natural minerals. This increase in pH and alkalinity is an important step in a long-term program to reduce pipe corrosion from naturally occurring elements in drinking water.

Metro Vancouver currently delivers water with a pH of 7.7 and will be increasing it to a target range of 8.3 to 8.5. This increase is compliant with the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality which range from 7 to 10.5. To help improve the stability of the pH level, the alkalinity will also be doubled, to about 20 mg/L (expressed as calcium carbonate).The Corrosion Control Program will help protect your pipes and safeguard your investment in your business. The program will:

• reduce the release of copper from pipes in buildings caused by low pH in the region’s water
• reduce leaks in pipes caused by copper corrosion
• help preserve the lifespan of pipes and hot water tanks
• reduce green stains on sinks and grout

What to expect

This change might prompt you to adjust and calibrate your operations to the change in pH and alkalinity. However, there will be no noticeable effects on water taste, smell or colour and Metro Vancouver will continue to deliver high-quality drinking water throughout the region.

Additional information and contact

You can find more information, including details and background on this webpage or by reviewing the fact sheet.

If you have any questions, you can call the Information Centre at 604-432-6200 or email icentre@metrovancouver.org (include "Corrosion Control Program" in the subject line).