Lead
Summary: Lead usually gets into water from household plumbing—not from the source. It can dissolve into water that sits in lead service lines, lead-soldered copper pipes, or brass fixtures and valves.
Where does lead come from?
- Lead service lines: Common in older neighborhoods and some older multi-unit buildings.
- Leaded solder on copper (pre-1986): Can leach lead when water is corrosive or stagnant.
- Brass/bronze fixtures and valves: Especially older hardware and decorative faucets.
Why homeowners should care
Lead is colorless, odorless, and tasteless—so the water can look fine while still carrying lead. Utilities use corrosion control for public supplies, but private wells and in-home plumbing are the homeowner’s responsibility.
Action levels vs health limits
Lead and copper are evaluated using action levels under the Lead and Copper Rule. These are triggers for corrosion control—not health-based “safe” levels. Any detectable lead is a signal to lower exposure, especially for infants and children.
How we test
HealthWaterLab recommends testing both first-draw (after water sits in pipes) and flushed samples (after running the tap). This shows how much your plumbing contributes and helps guide fixes.
Lowering lead in your water
- Use certified filters: Choose filters certified for lead reduction (e.g., NSF/ANSI 53 at the tap, or RO/NSF 58 under-sink).
- Flush smart: Run water until it’s cold and steady—always use cold water for cooking and baby formula.
- Update plumbing: Replace lead service lines and leaded fixtures when possible.
- Manage corrosivity: Check pH and alkalinity; low pH/alkalinity water is more likely to leach metals.
FAQ
Does boiling remove lead?
No—boiling concentrates lead. Use a certified lead-reduction filter or reverse osmosis (RO) system.
Which tap should I test?
Start with the main kitchen cold-water tap. If you use a filtered/RO tap for drinking or baby formula, test that too to verify removal.
My neighbor’s result was fine—does that mean I’m fine?
Not necessarily. Plumbing materials and water use patterns vary house to house. Test your own taps.
What’s the difference between first-draw and flushed samples?
First-draw shows the water that sat in your pipes (highest contact with plumbing). Flushed shows conditions after running the tap and can point to service-line or building contribution.
Do fridge or pitcher filters remove lead?
Only if they’re specifically certified for lead reduction. Check the certification. If in doubt, use RO or a certified under-sink cartridge.
Is showering a lead exposure risk?
Exposure from typical showering is minimal; ingestion (drinking/cooking) is the main concern. Focus treatment on the water you consume.
How often should I test for lead?
Annually for private wells, and after plumbing work or changes in water characteristics. If results are elevated or near a threshold, confirm with a follow-up test.
What is reverse osmosis (RO)?
Reverse osmosis is an under-sink drinking water system that pushes water through a very fine semi-permeable membrane. The membrane rejects many dissolved contaminants (like arsenic, nitrate/nitrite, lead, copper, and salts), producing low-TDS water for cooking and drinking.
How it works: Pre-filters remove sediment and chlorine → the RO membrane removes dissolved ions → an optional carbon “polishing” filter improves taste → treated water is stored in a small tank and dispensed at a dedicated faucet.
Good to know: RO is point-of-use (kitchen sink), not whole-home; filters/membrane need periodic replacement; some water is sent to drain during operation. If you prefer a little mineral taste, a small remineralization cartridge can be added.
Will a water softener remove lead?
No. Softeners target hardness (calcium/magnesium). Use certified lead-reduction filters or RO.
What about mixing infant formula?
Use treated water from a certified lead-reduction filter or an RO tap. Verify performance with a quick lab test.
Ready to test? Order a lead (and copper) tap-water kit and get step-by-step sampling instructions at HealthWaterLab.com.