Asbestos-Cement Pipes and Drinking Water
Between the 1940’s and 1970’s, cement containing asbestos was used for water distribution pipes (known as A-C pipe). A-C pipe has not been installed in municipal water systems for over 50 years and it is a generally accepted practice that A-C pipe be removed and replaced during any construction that exposes these pipes that remain in the ground.
The following links provide information on asbestos in drinking water including potential methods of exposure, health risks and treatment information.
For Members of the Public:
- Asbestos in drinking water
- Is the Asbestos in Our Drinking Water Dangerous?
- Asbestos in Drinking Water: The Danger of Old Asbestos Pipes and Natural Disasters
- Asbestos in the Water Supply
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (United States) – ToxFAQs™ for Asbestos
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (United States) – Public Health Statement for Asbestos
Water Quality Guidelines
- Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality: Guideline Technical Document – Asbestos
- World Health Organization – Asbestos in drinking-water
- United States Environmental Protection Agency – National Primary Drinking Water Regulations
For Operators, Management, Council Members and Communications Teams:
- Canadian Water and Wastewater Association Speaking Notes on Asbestos-Cement Water Pipes
- Trending in an Instant – A Risk Communication Guide for Water Utilities
Photo from Canadian Water and Wastewater Association Speaking Notes on Asbestos-Cement Water Pipes.
View these similar posts on the WCWC online library for more information.
Health Canada Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality
Per- & Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS, PFOA & PFOS)
Legionella & Legionnaires’ Disease (Legionellosis)
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