Lead in Drinking Water: A Complete Guide

Everything you need to know about lead contamination in drinking water, its health effects, and how to protect your family.

US Water Grade Team

Environmental Health Research

15 min readFeb 13, 2026

Health Information Reviewed

Health-related content reviewed by Michael Rodriguez, MSc, Public Health Consultant, to ensure public health recommendations are accurate and appropriate.

Last reviewed: February 2026

Why Lead in Water Is Still a Critical Problem

Despite being banned in plumbing since 1986, lead contamination remains one of the most serious drinking water threats in the United States. An estimated 6-10 million lead service lines still deliver water to American homes, and lead plumbing components persist in buildings across the country.

Critical Facts About Lead:

There is NO safe level of lead exposure, especially for children
Lead affects children's brain development, causing permanent damage
You cannot see, taste, or smell lead in water
Boiling water does NOT remove lead—it concentrates it
Even "lead-free" plumbing can contain up to 0.25% lead

The Scale of the Problem

Over 400,000 children in the U.S. have elevated blood lead levels
6-10 million lead service lines remain in use nationwide
Lead contamination has been found in all 50 states
An estimated 3-6 million homes built before 1986 have lead plumbing
Schools and daycare centers often have higher lead levels due to old infrastructure

The 2014 Flint, Michigan water crisis brought national attention to lead contamination, but Flint is far from alone. Cities across America continue to struggle with lead in drinking water.

Health Effects of Lead Exposure

Lead is a neurotoxin that damages the nervous system, brain, and organs. Health effects depend on exposure level and duration, with children and pregnant women facing the greatest risks.

Effects on Children (Most Vulnerable)

Children under 6 years old are especially vulnerable because:

Their brains and nervous systems are still developing
They absorb 4-5x more lead than adults
Their blood-brain barrier is more permeable
They put more objects in their mouths (hand-to-mouth behavior)

Health impacts in children:

Permanent reduction in IQ (average 3-5 points per 5 μg/dL increase)
Learning disabilities and ADHD
Behavioral problems and aggression
Hearing problems
Slowed growth and development
Anemia (low red blood cells)
Damage to kidneys and nervous system

Effects on Pregnant Women and Fetuses

Lead crosses the placenta, exposing developing fetuses:

Increased risk of miscarriage and stillbirth
Premature birth and low birth weight
Brain and nervous system damage before birth
Lead stored in mothers' bones can be released during pregnancy
Permanent developmental and cognitive impacts

Effects on Adults

While adults are less vulnerable than children, lead exposure causes:

High blood pressure and cardiovascular disease
Kidney damage and kidney disease
Decreased fertility in both men and women
Memory problems and difficulty concentrating
Mood disorders
Joint and muscle pain
Headaches and abdominal pain

The CDC's Position:

The CDC states there is NO safe blood lead level for children. Even levels previously considered "safe" (below 5 μg/dL) are associated with behavioral problems, lower IQ, and other issues. The only safe level is zero.

Where Does Lead in Water Come From?

Lead rarely occurs naturally in water sources. Instead, it leaches into water from plumbing as water travels from treatment plants to your tap. Understanding the sources helps you assess your risk.

1. Lead Service Lines (Highest Risk)

What they are: Pipes that connect water mains to your home

When installed: Common in homes built before 1986, especially before 1950

Problem: Entire pipe is made of lead, providing maximum opportunity for leaching

How to check: Contact your water utility for service line material records, or hire a plumber to inspect

Risk level: EXTREME—can cause lead levels of 15+ ppb, often much higher

2. Lead Solder in Copper Pipes

What it is: Lead-based solder used to join copper pipes

When used: Common in homes built before 1986 when lead solder was banned

Problem: Solder can leach significant lead, especially in first few years after installation

Risk level: HIGH—especially in homes built 1983-1986 or recently remodeled with old materials

3. Brass Fixtures and Faucets

What they are: Faucets, valves, and fixtures containing brass

Problem: Brass naturally contains lead (up to 8% historically, now limited to 0.25%)

When it's worst: New fixtures leach more lead initially; improves over time

Risk level: MODERATE—even "lead-free" fixtures can leach small amounts

4. Corroded Galvanized Pipes

What they are: Iron pipes coated with zinc, common pre-1960

Problem: If they were ever connected to lead pipes, lead can accumulate in corrosion buildup inside pipes

Risk level: MODERATE to HIGH—especially after disturbances like water main breaks

Factors That Increase Lead Leaching

Corrosive water: Acidic water (low pH) or low mineral content dissolves lead faster
Water temperature: Hot water leaches more lead than cold water
Water standing in pipes: Lead accumulates when water sits overnight or during work hours
Disturbed pipes: Construction, water main breaks, or repairs can dislodge lead buildup
Lack of corrosion control: Utilities must add chemicals to reduce corrosivity (this failed in Flint)

The Flint Water Crisis: Lessons Learned

The Flint, Michigan water crisis (2014-2016) became the most infamous case of lead contamination in modern U.S. history, affecting nearly 100,000 residents and demonstrating how quickly safe water can become toxic.

What Happened in Flint

April 2014: Flint switched water source from Lake Huron to the Flint River to save money
The Fatal Mistake: The new water source was more corrosive, but officials failed to add corrosion control chemicals
The Result: Corrosive water dissolved lead from pipes and service lines throughout the city
The Cover-Up: Officials dismissed complaints for over a year despite alarming test results
Blood Tests: Children's blood lead levels doubled and tripled in some neighborhoods
Public Health Emergency: October 2015, state finally acknowledged the crisis

Impact and Long-Term Consequences

Approximately 9,000 children exposed to high lead levels
12 deaths from Legionnaires' disease linked to the water
Permanent developmental damage to thousands of children
Estimated $600 million in damages and remediation costs
Criminal charges filed against multiple officials
$626 million settlement with residents (2021)

What Flint Taught Us

Key Lessons:

Corrosion control is critical and must be maintained
You cannot rely solely on government assurances—test your own water
Vulnerable populations (children, pregnant women) need extra protection
Once lead leaches out, pipe scale and corrosion patterns are disrupted for years
The only permanent solution is replacing lead service lines
Official "lead testing" can be manipulated—true testing requires random samples

Flint isn't unique. Lead crises have occurred in Newark, Pittsburgh, Washington D.C., and countless smaller communities. Any city with lead infrastructure faces this risk.

EPA Lead Regulations and Why They're Inadequate

The Lead and Copper Rule

The EPA's Lead and Copper Rule (LCR), established in 1991 and revised in 2021, requires water utilities to test for lead and maintain corrosion control treatment.

Key Requirements:

Action Level: 15 parts per billion (ppb) for lead
Testing: Samples from "high-risk" homes (those with lead service lines or copper pipes with lead solder)
90th Percentile Rule: If 90% of samples are below 15 ppb, the system "passes"
If action level exceeded: Utility must improve corrosion control, public education, and potentially replace lead service lines

Why This Standard Is Problematic

The health goal is ZERO, but the action level is 15 ppb: The EPA acknowledges zero is the Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) but sets the enforceable Action Level at 15 ppb—a huge gap.
10% of homes can exceed 15 ppb and the system still "passes": This means thousands of people can be exposed to high lead while officials say the water is safe.
Testing protocols can be gamed: Pre-flushing, sample timing, and selection bias can produce artificially low results.
Your home might not be tested: Testing focuses on "high-risk" homes, but any home can have elevated lead.
Lead service line inventory is incomplete: Many utilities don't know where all their lead pipes are.

Bottom Line:

"Safe" according to EPA regulations does NOT mean lead-free. The only safe level is zero. Don't rely on utility compliance—test your own water and take action if lead is detected.

2021 Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR)

The updated rule strengthens some protections:

Utilities must create comprehensive lead service line inventories
Lower trigger level (10 ppb) for accelerated lead service line replacement
Stronger public notification requirements
More testing locations, including schools and daycares
Requirement to test tap water in homes after lead service line replacement

However, utilities have until 2024-2027 to comply, and the action level remains 15 ppb.

How to Test Your Water for Lead

Testing is the ONLY way to know if your tap water contains lead. You cannot see, taste, or smell lead.

When You Should Test

Test immediately if ANY of these apply:

Your home was built before 1986
You have young children or are pregnant
You have a lead service line
Your water has a metallic taste
Recent plumbing work was done
Your water main was recently replaced or repaired
Your utility exceeded the lead action level
You live in a city with known lead problems

Testing Options

1. Free or Low-Cost Utility Testing

How to get it: Contact your water utility
Cost: Often free, especially in high-risk areas
Pros: No cost, certified lab analysis
Cons: May have waiting lists; results can take weeks

2. EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline

Contact: (800) 426-4791
What they provide: List of certified labs in your state
Cost: $20-100 depending on lab

3. Mail-In Test Kits

Where to buy: Hardware stores, online (Amazon, Walmart)
How it works: Collect sample at home, mail to lab
Cost: $15-50
Brands: First Alert, Pro-Lab, 3M, SimpleLab
Pros: Convenient, fast results
Cons: Make sure kit uses a certified lab

4. Professional Lab Testing

Cost: $20-100
Pros: Most accurate, certified results
How to find: EPA maintains list of certified labs by state

How to Collect a Water Sample (Critical)

Proper sample collection is essential for accurate results:

Use COLD water only (hot water leaches more lead)
Collect a "first draw" sample after water has sat in pipes overnight or 6+ hours
Don't pre-flush or run water before sampling (this gives falsely low results)
Fill sample bottle directly from the tap you use for drinking
Consider testing multiple taps (kitchen, bathroom, etc.)
Also collect a "flushed" sample after running water for 2 minutes to compare
Follow kit instructions precisely

Understanding Test Results

Under 1 ppb: Excellent, minimal concern
1-5 ppb: Low level, but not zero; consider action for vulnerable populations
5-15 ppb: Concerning, especially for children; filtration recommended
Above 15 ppb: Action required immediately; use filtered or bottled water
Above 50 ppb: Dangerous; stop drinking immediately, use bottled water

Important: ANY detectable lead is a concern if you have children or are pregnant. The health goal is ZERO.

How to Remove Lead from Your Water

If testing reveals lead in your water, several effective solutions can protect your family while you work toward permanent fixes.

Immediate Actions (Start Today)

1. Flush Your Pipes

Run cold water for 30-60 seconds before using for drinking/cooking
Especially important after water has sat overnight or 6+ hours
Use this water for plants or cleaning (don't waste it)
Effectiveness: Can reduce lead by 50-90% temporarily
Limitation: Not foolproof; filtration is better

2. Use Only COLD Water for Drinking and Cooking

Hot water leaches significantly more lead from pipes and fixtures
NEVER use hot tap water for drinking, cooking, or making baby formula
Heat cold water on the stove instead
Effectiveness: Reduces lead exposure by 30-50%

Short-Term Solution: Water Filtration

Water filtration is the fastest, most effective way to remove lead while you explore permanent solutions.

NSF 53 Certified Filters (ESSENTIAL)

Critical Requirements:

Filter MUST be NSF/ANSI 53 certified specifically for lead reduction
NSF 42 (aesthetic) does NOT remove lead—only NSF 53
Look for certification to reduce lead to below 10 ppb (ideally below 5 ppb)
Verify certification at NSF website or on product packaging

Filter Options by Effectiveness:

BEST: Reverse Osmosis Systems

Effectiveness: Removes 95-99% of lead
Cost: $150-600 (under-sink models)
Installation: Moderate DIY or professional
Maintenance: Filter changes every 6-24 months
Best for: High lead levels, comprehensive protection

GOOD: Carbon Block Filters (NSF 53)

Effectiveness: Removes 95-99% of lead when properly maintained
Cost: $50-300
Types: Under-sink, countertop, faucet-mounted
Maintenance: Change filters every 2-6 months
Best for: Moderate lead levels, budget-friendly option

ACCEPTABLE: Pitcher Filters (NSF 53 certified only)

Effectiveness: Removes 90-95% when filter is fresh
Cost: $25-60
Brands: Brita Elite, PUR lead-reducing models, ZeroWater
Maintenance: Change filters every 2 months or 40 gallons
Best for: Low lead levels, temporary solution, budget constraints
Limitation: Limited capacity, effectiveness drops as filter ages

What Does NOT Remove Lead:

Boiling water (concentrates lead)
Standard carbon filters without NSF 53 certification
Refrigerator filters (unless specifically NSF 53 certified for lead)
Water softeners (designed for hardness, not lead)
UV purification (kills pathogens, doesn't remove metals)

Long-Term Solution: Replace Lead Sources

Filtration is effective but requires ongoing maintenance. The permanent solution is removing lead from your plumbing.

1. Replace Lead Service Line

What it is: Replacing the lead pipe from the water main to your home
Cost: $3,000-15,000 (varies widely by location and depth)
Who pays: Varies by city; some offer partial/full funding programs
Critical: FULL replacement required (replacing only partial line can make contamination worse)
Time frame: Decades (many cities won't complete replacement until 2040-2050)

2. Replace Interior Lead Plumbing

What to replace: Lead pipes, lead solder joints (if accessible)
Cost: $1,500-8,000 depending on extent
Who pays: Homeowner responsibility
Consideration: May be cost-effective during renovations

3. Replace Brass Fixtures

What to use: Lead-free certified faucets and fixtures
Cost: $50-500 per fixture
Label: Look for "lead-free" or "NSF/ANSI 61" certified
Note: Even lead-free can contain up to 0.25% lead, but much safer than old brass

Choosing Your Approach

If lead level is 1-10 ppb:

NSF 53 certified faucet or pitcher filter should be sufficient. Test annually to monitor.

If lead level is 10-20 ppb:

Install under-sink carbon filter or countertop RO system. Test every 6 months. Flush pipes before use.

If lead level is above 20 ppb:

Install reverse osmosis immediately. Contact utility and plumber about source. Plan for service line/plumbing replacement.

If you have young children or are pregnant:

ANY detected lead warrants action. Install at minimum NSF 53 pitcher filter; consider RO for comprehensive protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

My home was built in 1990. Am I safe from lead?

Not necessarily. While lead pipes and solder were banned in 1986, homes built in the late 1980s and early 1990s may still have lead solder that hadn't been used up. Additionally, "lead-free" brass fixtures can still contain up to 0.25% lead. Test to be certain.

Does boiling water remove lead?

No. Boiling water concentrates lead by evaporating water while leaving contaminants behind. Never boil water to remove lead. Use cold water and filtration instead.

Can I shower and bathe in water with lead?

Yes. Lead is not absorbed through skin, so bathing and showering are safe even if lead is present. However, avoid ingesting water during bathing, and don't use tap water for baby baths where they might swallow water.

Will my child's doctor test for lead?

Blood lead testing is recommended for all children at ages 1 and 2, and for older children with risk factors. However, testing protocols vary by state. Ask your pediatrician about testing, especially if you have lead in your water.

If my blood test shows lead, can it be removed?

Lead gradually leaves the body over time but can take years. Chelation therapy can remove lead in cases of severe poisoning, but it's not used for low-level exposure. The focus should be on stopping new exposure so levels decline naturally.

My utility says water is safe, but I found lead. Why?

Utility testing measures water in the distribution system, not at your tap. Lead leaches from YOUR home's plumbing. Additionally, the EPA action level allows 10% of samples to exceed 15 ppb and still pass. Your tap water can have lead even when your utility "passes."

Are some children more vulnerable to lead than others?

Yes. Children with poor nutrition (especially low iron, calcium, or zinc) absorb more lead. Children with developmental delays may be more affected. Genetics also plays a role in how individuals process lead exposure.

Should I buy bottled water instead of using a filter?

Bottled water is safe but expensive long-term and creates plastic waste. An NSF 53 certified filter is more cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Reserve bottled water for emergencies or while you install filtration.