Lead in Drinking Water

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Lead contamination in drinking water is a serious public health concern, especially in older homes and communities. Understanding how lead gets into your water, its health effects, and what you can do to protect your family is crucial.

How Lead Gets into Drinking Water

Lead rarely originates from the water source itself. Instead, it typically leaches into the water as it travels through pipes and plumbing fixtures that contain lead. Common sources include:

• Lead service lines: These are the pipes connecting the main water line in the street to your home. Many older cities still have lead service lines.
• Lead solder: Used to join copper pipes before 1986, lead solder is a significant source of contamination.
• Brass or chrome-plated brass faucets and fixtures: Even "lead-free" brass can contain a small percentage of lead, which can leach into standing water.
• Well pumps and components: Some older well systems may also contain lead components.

Factors like water acidity (corrosivity), water temperature, and the amount of time water sits in pipes can influence how much lead leaches into your drinking water.

Health Effects of Lead Exposure

Even low levels of lead exposure can have serious health consequences, particularly for infants, children, and pregnant women. Lead accumulates in the body over time, and there is no safe level of lead exposure.

For children:

• Behavioral and learning problems (reduced IQ, hyperactivity)
• Slowed growth
• Hearing problems
• Anemia

For pregnant women:

• Reduced fetal growth
• Premature birth

For adults:

• High blood pressure and kidney problems
• Nervous system effects
• Reproductive problems

Testing Your Drinking Water for Lead

The only way to know if you have lead in your drinking water is to have it tested. You cannot see, taste, or smell lead in water.

• Contact your local water utility: Your public water supplier can often provide information about lead service lines in your area and may offer free or low-cost testing kits.
• Certified laboratory: You can also have your water tested by a certified laboratory. Look for labs accredited by the EPA or your state's environmental agency. Follow their instructions carefully for collecting samples.

Reducing Lead in Your Drinking Water

If your water test reveals lead contamination, here are steps you can take:

1. Flush your pipes: Before using water for drinking or cooking, run the cold water tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes (or longer if you have a lead service line) to flush out any stagnant water.
2. Use cold water: Always use cold water for drinking, cooking, and preparing baby formula, as hot water can leach lead more quickly.
3. Use a water filter: Install a filter certified to remove lead. Look for filters certified by NSF International to Standard 53 for lead reduction.
4. Clean aerators: Periodically remove and clean faucet aerators to clear out any accumulated lead particles.
5. Consider pipe replacement: The most effective long-term solution is to replace lead service lines and lead-containing plumbing fixtures.

Massachusetts Regulations

Massachusetts has specific regulations regarding lead in drinking water, often aligning with or exceeding federal EPA standards. Your local Board of Health or water department can provide details on local ordinances and assistance programs for lead service line replacement.

Protecting your family from lead in drinking water requires vigilance and proactive measures. Regular testing and informed action can significantly reduce your risk of exposure.