Lead in Drinking Water: Health Risks, Sources, and How to Remove It
Lead is an inorganic contaminant that is regulated in public drinking water. The EPA has established a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 15 μg/L for this substance. Because of its potential health risks, monitoring and controlling lead levels is highly important.
Health Effects
Exposure to lead in drinking water is associated with several adverse health effects. Children are particularly vulnerable and may experience developmental delays. Adults may develop high blood pressure, and lead exposure can also cause kidney problems.
How Lead Gets Into Tap Water
Lead enters drinking water from both environmental and infrastructure sources. It can be introduced through industrial discharge or the corrosion of plumbing systems. Common household sources include lead pipes and fixtures that leach the metal into the water supply.
How to Remove Lead From Your Water
Reducing lead in drinking water involves a combination of structural updates and filtration. Effective treatment methods include system-wide corrosion control and the physical replacement of lead pipes. Additionally, home filtration systems can be used to filter lead out of tap water.
Should You Test Your Water?
To ensure your water is safe, check your local Consumer Confidence Report or search your provider on WaterQ. If you suspect your home has older plumbing or lead pipes, testing your tap water is recommended. You can also look up your local water system on WaterQ or check the Lead data page for reported levels in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lead dangerous in drinking water?
Yes, lead poses significant health risks when present in drinking water. It can cause developmental delays in children, kidney problems, and high blood pressure in adults. Because of these serious effects, it is closely regulated as an inorganic contaminant.
How does Lead get into tap water?
Lead typically enters tap water through the corrosion of lead pipes, plumbing, and household fixtures. It can also get into water sources through industrial discharge.
How can I remove Lead from my water?
Lead can be removed or managed through water filtration, corrosion control, and lead pipe replacement.
Source: EPA National Primary Drinking Water Regulations and WaterQ National Database. For more contaminants, visit our contaminant library.