Thunder Bay residents are not the only ones in North America facing pinhole leaks in their copper water pipes.
Folsom, California is also dealing with the issue and the city spokesperson Marcus Yasutake tells us it just became a problem in July.
The Folsom city official explains it is believed the leaks are the result of a combination of things involving natural mineral in the water, chlorine, and a high ph level.
“That can all contribute to pitting and it’s more prominent in areas of the copper pipes that either have impurities in the pipe material or if there is any particulate matter that has settled,” explains Yasutake.
He estimates about 1,200 residents are facing the problem.
A dedicated city website has been created which is updated every week with maps and other information that the residents can access.
Here in Thunder Bay city officials are remaining tight-lipped about the pinhole leak problems faced by many homeowners who believe it is the result of the addition of sodium hydroxide to the water, a claim which has yet to be independently verified.
