The US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) acceptable range for drinking water pH is 6.5 - 8.5 . Thunder Bay's water is presently at an excellent pH of 7.7 - 8. It has been confirmed that with the addition of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) the city will be raising the pH as high as 9.6 ! This is well beyond what is considered safe pH levels according to the EPA. There are also concerns with how these high pH levels may react with chlorine and could compromise disinfection . It is interesting that Environment Canada recently adjusted it's 'acceptable' pH range up to cover a higher pH. Was this change made to cover for water treaters who will be using this chemical method to tackle the lead problem? The test is slated to begin in January. It will be extended to the entire city in one year. The cost of the chemical for the whole city plan will be a half-million dollars. Along with the petition, a letter to the City asking for them to consider alternatives is being drafted. Without vocal and rousing citizen action the City Council will have no incentive not to follow this mandate. It is imperative that City Council and the MOE are made aware that the citizens want to implement a plan with alternative options. A viable plan would assist in the replacement of lead water lines which is preferable in the long term over fixing the problem by band-aiding it forever with yet more chemicals.