Lead in Drinking Water

Lead can enter a water supply when extended periods of contact are present. 

 

The solder in older copper pipes may contain lead, brass piping and fixtures are also known sources of lead as well as water supply piping and entry mains.  Any of these sources may allow lead to enter the drinking water in a home. 

 

The brass in private well pumps has recently been cited as a source of lead in drinking water.  The tests presenting this evidence have since been deemed unreliable.  Contamination at the local aquifer is the only plausible of lead that is found in private well water.

 

An action level of .015 mg/L is what has been set by the New York State Department of Health for lead in water taken from s tsp that has been unused for a period of 6 hours.

 

The removal of lead piping is not required by most local building codes.  Lead piping lines do tend to corrode and leak after about 40 to 60 years from installation and replacement is then necessary but it is costly so doing it before then is not vital.

 

Testing for Lead

 

 There are home test kits for lead that cost around $10 or you can hire a professional to collect a sample if you are concerned that your drinking water may contain lead.  Your local health department can help lead you to a lab that can test your water sample and these fees typically range from $20 to $25.

You can also limit potential lead intake by running the water from your tap for a period before filling your glass.  In addition, water treatment companies can provide and install lead-in-water removal systems.