Lead in Drinking Water
Lead is a toxic metal that causes brain damage in children and serious health problems in adults. Even low levels are harmful. Learn about the risks, where lead contamination occurs, and how to protect your family.
What is Lead?
Lead is a heavy metal that was commonly used in plumbing materials until the 1980s. It can leach into drinking water through corrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, and brass fixtures. Lead is extremely toxic, particularly to children, whose developing brains and nervous systems are highly vulnerable.
The Flint Water Crisis brought national attention to lead contamination when cost-cutting measures led to widespread lead poisoning affecting thousands of children. Similar issues have been identified in cities across America, with millions still exposed through aging infrastructure.
Health Effects
Children (Most Vulnerable)
- Brain damage and reduced IQ
- Learning disabilities and behavioral problems
- Slowed growth and development
- Hearing and speech problems
- Anemia and damage to organs
Adults
- High blood pressure and hypertension
- Kidney damage and failure
- Reproductive problems (both sexes)
- Cardiovascular disease
- Memory and concentration problems
Important: There is no safe level of lead exposure. Even low levels can harm children's developing brains. Pregnant women should be especially careful as lead can cross the placenta.
EPA Maximum Contaminant Level
The EPA requires water systems to take action if lead levels exceed 15 ppb in more than 10% of customer taps. However, health experts agree there is no safe level of lead exposure, especially for children. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends testing and taking action at any detectable level.
How Lead Gets Into Water
Lead Service Lines
Pipes connecting homes to water mains. An estimated 9 million lead service lines remain in use across the US, particularly in older cities. Most common in homes built before 1986.
Lead Solder in Copper Pipes
Lead-based solder was used to join copper pipes until 1986. Corrosion can cause lead to leach into water, especially if water sits in pipes overnight.
Brass Fixtures and Faucets
Brass plumbing fixtures can contain lead. Even "lead-free" fixtures may contain up to 8% lead by federal law. Corrosion causes lead to dissolve into water.
Corrosive Water
Water chemistry matters. Low pH (acidic) water, lack of corrosion control treatment, and temperature changes increase lead leaching. This was the key factor in the Flint crisis.
Most Affected US Cities and Regions
Lead contamination is most common in older cities with aging infrastructure. Cities with known lead issues include:
Cities with Historical Lead Issues
- Flint, Michigan
- Newark, New Jersey
- Chicago, Illinois
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Detroit, Michigan
High-Risk Regions
- Midwest & Rust Belt: Older cities with aging infrastructure
- Northeast: Cities with pre-1986 housing stock
- Homes built before 1986: Highest risk for lead pipes and solder
Note: Lead contamination can occur anywhere with old infrastructure. Check your local water report and consider testing your home water, especially if you have young children or live in a pre-1986 home.
Testing for Lead
Home Water Testing
Municipal water testing doesn't capture lead from your home's plumbing. Home testing is critical, especially in these situations:
- Home built before 1986
- Young children or pregnant women in household
- Recent plumbing work or new copper pipes
- City has reported elevated lead levels
Testing Options
Most accurate. Cost: $20-150. Contact your local health department or EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 1-800-426-4791
Available online or at hardware stores. Less accurate but affordable ($10-40). Look for kits certified to detect at least 5 ppb.
Many utilities offer free testing for customers. Check with your water provider.
Testing Procedure
- Test first-draw water (water that sat in pipes overnight)
- Also test after flushing for 1-2 minutes to identify the source
- Test multiple taps if possible (kitchen, bathroom, etc.)
- Test during different seasons as temperature affects leaching
How to Remove Lead from Water
Most Effective Methods
1. Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems
Effectiveness: Removes 95-99% of lead
Point-of-use RO systems installed under sink. Most effective option but requires maintenance and produces wastewater. Cost: $200-600 installed.
2. NSF/ANSI Standard 53 Certified Filters
Effectiveness: Removes 95%+ of lead (if certified for lead)
Look for filters specifically certified for lead removal under NSF Standard 53. Includes many pitcher filters, faucet filters, and refrigerator filters. Cost: $20-150 + replacement filters.
3. Distillation Units
Effectiveness: Removes 99%+ of lead
Boils water and captures steam. Very effective but slow and energy-intensive. Cost: $100-400.
Important Filter Notes
- Not all carbon filters remove lead - must be certified specifically for lead reduction
- Replace filters according to manufacturer recommendations - old filters may release lead
- Boiling water does NOT remove lead - it concentrates it
- Point-of-entry (whole house) filters don't work for lead from internal plumbing
Short-Term Actions (Before Getting a Filter)
- Flush pipes: Run cold water for 1-2 minutes before drinking if water sat for 6+ hours
- Use cold water only: For drinking and cooking - hot water dissolves lead faster
- Don't make baby formula with tap water if lead is present
Related City Water Quality Reports
Check if your city has elevated lead levels or lead service line infrastructure: