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Lead in Drinking Water |  |
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Lead, a metal found in natural deposits, is commonly used in household plumbing materials and water service lines. The greatest exposure to lead is swallowing or breathing in lead paint chips and dust. But lead in drinking water can also cause a variety of adverse health effects. In babies and children, exposure to lead in drinking water above the action level can result in delays in physical and mental development, along with slight deficits in attention span and learning abilities. In adults, it can cause increases in blood pressure. Adults who drink this water over many years could develop kidney problems or high blood pressure. Lead is rarely found in source water, but enters tap water through corrosion of plumbing materials. Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead pipes, joints, and solder. However, new homes are also at risk: even legally “lead-free” pipes may contain up to 8 percent lead. These pipes can leave significant amounts of lead in the water for the first several months after their installation. For more information on lead contamination, see the following links in our sidebar or the links listed below: Fact Sheets:
Local Lead Information: Regulatory Information:
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National
Primary Drinking Water Regulations: Minor Corrections and Clarification
to Drinking Water Regulations; National Primary Drinking Water
Regulations for Lead and Copper