Hamilton owners own the water service from inside the home to the property line; the City owns it from there to the main. When you replace your private lead portion under permit, the City replaces the public portion, which it says takes 12 to 16 weeks. A $3,000 loan, repaid on the monthly water bill over up to ten years, can help pay for the private side (as checked September 2026).
- The City replaces its portion after the owner replaces the private lead pipe under a water service replacement permit.
- Conditions include a properly installed meter, removal of any shared-service interconnection and an inspection of the private work.
- The lead service loan is $3,000, interest-bearing, and repaid through the monthly water bill over a maximum of ten years.
- Owners who qualify for LEAP or OESP can get the loan interest-free unless payments default.
- Hamilton estimates about 20,000 homes built before 1955 may have a lead water service.
01 /Who owns which part of the service in Hamilton?
The City of Hamilton says you own the water service pipe from inside your home to the property line, and the City owns and maintains the pipe from the property line to the water main. It estimates about 20,000 homes built before 1955 may have a lead water service. Hamilton has added orthophosphate to its water for corrosion control since November 2018, which reduces lead release but does not remove the pipe.
Not sure what you have? The City offers a free Check Size and Type Inspection through 905-546-2489. It is worth booking before paying for quotes, because the size of your existing service also matters for flow in a larger or renovated house, which the low pressure guide explains.
02 /How does the City replace its side?
Hamilton's rule is sequential: when you replace the private portion of your lead water service, the City replaces the public portion. The City says this happens within 12 to 16 weeks once the conditions are met. Until then, the new private pipe is joined to the old lead public pipe, so filtering drinking water through that gap is sensible.
- Get a permit
A water service replacement permit is required for the private work.
- Replace the private portion
At the owner's expense, by a contractor, under the permit.
- Meet the conditions
A properly installed meter, and any interconnection with a neighbour's shared service removed.
- Inspection
The private work is inspected.
- City side
The City replaces the public portion, which it says takes 12 to 16 weeks.
03 /How does Hamilton's lead service loan work?
Hamilton offers a $3,000 interest-bearing loan for the private side. The loan, including interest, is transferred to the owner's monthly water bill and repaid over a maximum of ten years. Households that qualify for LEAP (the Low-income Energy Assistance Program) or OESP (the Ontario Electricity Support Program) can get a zero-interest loan, which stays interest-free unless payments default.
- Eligible owners: the owner or owners of the property, with property taxes current.
- Eligible pipe: a water service substantially composed of lead.
- Quote required: at least one quote from a licensed contractor.
- Rate and fee: the City's live page did not list the current interest rate or application fee when checked; ask for them before applying.
The cost page sets the loan beside other cities' grants and rebates and shows the published cost figures that exist in Canada.
04 /Where do Hamilton residents get water tested for lead?
Hamilton's page says private laboratories can test for lead, and points residents to the Ontario Ministry of the Environment (1-800-565-4923) and to Public Health's Safe Water Info Line (905-546-2189). The City does not advertise a free household lead test. The lead testing guide explains sampling after water has stood in the pipe, and why one clean result does not prove a lead service is safe.
- Book the free Check Size and Type Inspection, or check the pipe at your meter with the Lead Water Line Check.
- Collect at least one written quote from a licensed contractor that states the method, length, depth and restoration.
- Apply for the loan if you want it, then obtain the water service replacement permit.
- After the private work passes inspection, confirm the date for the City side and keep filtering until it is done.
You can also request quotes through this site with a photo of the pipe at your meter. Hamilton's Water Storefront at 330 Wentworth St N handles program questions in person on weekdays.
05 /What should Hamilton owners watch for in quotes?
Because the City's replacement of its side depends on your private work passing inspection, the quote should make clear that the contractor will meet the City's conditions, not only lay pipe.
- Permit: who obtains the water service replacement permit.
- Meter: whether the meter installation meets the City's requirement, and who fixes it if not.
- Shared services: whether any interconnection with a neighbour exists and will be removed.
- Inspection: who books it, and whether the trench stays open until it passes.
- Loan paperwork: help with the licensed-contractor quote the loan requires.
FAQQuestions people ask
Will Hamilton replace its part of my lead service?
Yes, once you replace the private portion under permit and meet its conditions. The City says the public side is then replaced in 12 to 16 weeks.
How is Hamilton's lead pipe loan repaid?
The $3,000 loan and its interest are added to your monthly water bill and repaid over a maximum of ten years.
Can the Hamilton loan be interest-free?
Yes for owners who qualify for LEAP or OESP; it stays interest-free unless payments default.
Does Hamilton check what my water service is made of?
Yes. A free Check Size and Type Inspection can be booked at 905-546-2489.
Where can I ask Hamilton about lead pipes in person?
At the Water Storefront, 330 Wentworth St N, on weekdays, or by phone at 905-546-2489.
