Do Your Part for Safe Water
There is no safe level of lead in drinking water.
The following outlines the health effects of lead in drinking water; what is being done to reduce lead in water, and steps you can take to decrease your exposure.
Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups, especially pregnant women, infants (both formula-fed and breastfed), and young children.
Some of the health effects to infants and children include decreases in IQ and attention span. Lead exposure can also result in new or worsened learning and behavior problems. The children of persons who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy may be at increased risk of these harmful health effects. Adults have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney or nervous system problems.
View videos about lead in drinking water in English and Spanish:
English: https://youtu.be/6et78HZRquI
Spanish: https://youtu.be/bVAcojQgfUI
Frequently Asked Questions about lead in drinking water
Q: Why is there lead in my drinking water?
A: Lead can enter drinking water when plumbing materials that contain lead corrode, especially where the water has high acidity or low mineral content that corrodes pipes and fixtures. The most common sources of lead in drinking water are lead pipes, faucets, and fixtures. In homes with lead pipes that connect the home to the water main, also known as lead services lines, these pipes are typically the most significant source of lead in the water. Lead pipes are more likely to be found in older cities and homes built before 1986.
EPA infographic on sources of lead in drinking water (available in English and Spanish):
Q: Will my water company tell me if I have a lead service line?
A: Yes. Water companies are working across the country to locate lead pipes and will work with homeowners to reduce the potential for exposure to lead. As water companies identify lead pipes, through home visits or reviewing historic records, homeowners will be notified. The inventory of all service lines will also be publicly available or available upon request.
Q: What will happen if I have a lead service line?
A: If it is determined that you have a lead service line, your water company will discuss with you: health effects of lead, steps that can be taken to reduce exposure to lead, and information about opportunities to replace lead service lines as well as programs that provide financing solutions to replace the lead service line. Any arrangements made to replace the lead service line should be communicated to your water company before the replacement.
HOMEOWNER TIP: It is advisable to remove your side of the lead service line when the water company is removing their side of the line. If you do not, you may be exposed to higher levels of lead because the disturbance of the water line may contribute to lead in drinking water even after the original lead source has been removed.
Q. What steps can I take to reduce lead in drinking water?
A: There are simple steps you can take to reduce lead in your drinking water. Visit: https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/basic-information-about-lead-drinking-water#reducehome
Q: Should I be more concerned about an older home with an older faucet?
A: Maybe. Older brass fixtures, valves, and solder (where pipes are joined) may also contain lead. Replacing an older brass faucet or valve may be a simple way to reduce the lead in your drinking water. This guide can also help in identifying the lead-free status of plumbing parts: https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyPDF.cgi?Dockey=P100LVYK.txt
Q. Can I see lead in my drinking water? Does it make my water hard?
A: If there is lead in your drinking water you may not see it. Sometimes, lead particles will collect in your aerators which is why EPA recommends cleaning (see above). To know for certain, you should have your water tested using a certified drinking water laboratory or contact your water company. Lead does not make the water hard. Hard water is caused by minerals such as calcium or magnesium in the water and is more common in ground water than in surface water (rivers, streams) supplies.
Q. How can I learn about the quality of my drinking water?
A: EPA requires community water systems to deliver a Consumer Confidence Report, also known as an annual drinking water quality report, to their customers. These reports provide Americans information about their local drinking water quality. Look for these reports in the spring of each year – in your mail, via email, with a link noted on your water bill or on your water company’s webpage. Some water utilities may also link their report to EPA’s webpage HERE.
Q: What are others saying about this effort to remove lead in drinking water?
A: Water utilities have educational videos about how to identify the material of your service line:
Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) videos
Understanding household flushing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fh-vc3Nhxds
View the Lead Service Line Replacement process for Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority customers to better understand what is going to happen in Pittsburgh and around the country https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lf2MIPCnoWM
Q: Who can I contact if I have more questions
800-438-2474 in the Region 3 states (Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia) or 215-814-5000
Questions about lead in drinking water can also be provided via a form at https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/forms/contact-epas-region-3-office#hotline