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Understanding Lead in Drinking Water: A Guide for Homeowners
Pentair Water Solutions
03/06/2025
Understanding Lead in Drinking Water: A Guide for Homeowners
It’s shocking to realize that lead can sneak into our drinking water without us even knowing it. It doesn’t have a color, taste, or smell when it’s dissolved, which makes it concerning for homeowners. In 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) made a big move by rolling out an improved Lead and Copper Rule designed to protect communities, which has everyone paying more attention to this issue.
Lead usually gets into drinking water when lead pipes start corroding, and this is especially common in homes built before 1986. But even new homes aren't completely safe since lead can still leach into water from brass or chrome-plated faucets and plumbing with lead solder.
What are Lead Service Lines and How Can You Identify Them?
Lead service lines are buried pipes made of lead that connect your home directly to the main water line. When these pipes start corroding, they can let lead into the water you use at your sinks and appliances.
To see if you've got lead pipes, you’ll want to hunt down your water service line in your home, usually in the basement or on an exterior wall. You're probably in the clear if it’s made of plastic or copper (that reddish-orange color like a penny).
But if you find a gray pipe, scratch it gently with a key or a coin. If it’s tough to scratch and a magnet sticks to it, there’s a good chance you’ve got galvanized steel pipes. If it scratches easily and the magnet won’t stick, you might be dealing with lead pipes.
For more detailed help, check out the EPA’s Protect Your Tap tool, which has lots of useful resources to help you spot lead pipes in your home.
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What Health Risks Does Lead in Water Present? Is It Dangerous?
According to the EPA, drinking water can contribute to 20% or more of a person’s total lead exposure. While we aren’t at liberty to say how dangerous lead is, the CDC warns that even low levels can be harmful. Lead is a toxic metal that builds up in the body over time, and its effects can be pretty serious.
But here’s the good news! You don’t need to worry about lead soaking in through your skin while bathing, as it can’t be absorbed that way. Homeowners can manage lead-contaminated water by using a certified under-sink filtration system. This system is designed to reduce lead.
What's in your water?
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Worried about what may be in your water? Get our water test kit and send it in to us! We do extensive testing and will recommend products based on the makeup of your water. Get a test today!
*Please note that this water test kit does not test for PFAS.
How Do You Test for Lead in Your Water?
Testing your water for lead is the best way to determine whether it’s present. Good news—we’ve developed an easy-to-use water test kit that checks for lead and several other contaminants, giving you a clear picture of your water quality. It has a custom water report and a glossary that explains all the contaminants. It also includes a guide to help you pick the right products for your needs.
In summary, it’s super important to stay aware of lead in drinking water for your health and peace of mind. With the right info and tools, you can take steps to keep your home’s water safer. Let’s join forces to help protect ourselves and our families—knowledge is your best tool!
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