The Benefits/Advantages of Low Lead Tap

Most municipal water systems use iron and steel pipes that are not contaminated with lead as they travel from the reservoirs to your home. However, lead can enter the water supply when piping materials containing lead (such as brass or chrome-plated brass faucets and plumbing with lead solder) corrode. This can happen if the water has high acidity or low mineral content, or if the pipes are exposed to corrosion products that release lead from iron and brass.

The only way to know if lead is present in your drinking water is to test it. Take a stagnant sample of your water and send it to an accredited laboratory for testing.

If you don't have an accredited lab in your community, you can also take a water sample from each of the taps where you and your family drink or cook. This is the best method to detect lead in your water.

Cleaning your faucet's screen regularly is a good idea and can help reduce lead in your water. This is especially important if you have lead-based fixtures, such as kitchen taps or sinks with lead solder, that may leak lead from the aerator.

Running your water for a short time, such as five minutes, before using it is another good way to reduce the amount of lead in your water. This is particularly helpful if you have a lead service line in your home, which connects your house to the water main.

Letting your water run before using it helps to remove any lead that might be in the pipes, and it also prevents it from being dissolved by boiling water. Boiling water releases more lead than cold water, so if you need hot water for drinking, cooking or making baby formula, you should use cold water.

Having a filtration system installed or used to remove lead is another good option to lower your lead exposure. Look for a device certified by NSF/ANSI under Standard 53, and follow the manufacturer's instructions on installation and maintenance.

Avoiding the use of products containing lead, such as paint scrapings and batteries, is another important step. Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should avoid using these items to minimize their risk of passing lead on to a fetus.

Many other household products are also contaminated with lead, such as toys, paint and dust collectors. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, avoid these products and contact your health care practitioner for advice.

The best solution is to have your water tested by an accredited lab, and to follow the results of the test with any other steps needed to protect your health and the health of your family.

If your home has a lead service line, you should learn about how to find it and how to reduce your lead exposure. You can get this information and a toolkit for sharing with others by visiting the Protect Your Tap outreach page or calling your local water system or public health department.