How to Reduce Lead Exposure in Your Drinking Water

Lead contamination in drinking water is a serious concern that can pose significant health risks, especially to young children and pregnant women. Lead can enter drinking water through corroded pipes, fixtures, and plumbing materials. From there, it contaminates tap water and, when consumed, can cause neurological damage, high blood pressure, kidney damage, and other health issues.

In this article, we’ll explore practical steps you can take to reduce lead exposure in your drinking water to protect you and your family from these health hazards.

Understanding the Risks of Lead Exposure

Lead is a toxic metal that can cause a range of health problems. Even low levels of lead exposure can result in:

• Neurological Damage: Lead exposure can affect brain development in children, leading to learning disabilities, lower IQ, and behavioral problems.
• Physical Health Issues: In adults, lead can cause high blood pressure, kidney damage, and reproductive problems.
• Pregnancy Complications: Lead exposure during pregnancy can lead to premature birth, low birth weight, and developmental issues in newborns.

Given these severe health risks, it’s crucial to take proactive steps to minimize lead exposure in your drinking water.

Step 1: Identify the Source of Lead

The first step in reducing lead exposure is identifying its source. Lead typically enters drinking water through corroded pipes and fixtures, or through service lines.

Older homes with lead pipes, fixtures, or solder are at higher risk. Lead service lines connecting the home to the main water supply can also be a source of contamination.

To determine if your home has lead plumbing, consider hiring a professional to inspect your pipes and fixtures. You can also contact your water utility company to find out if there are lead service lines in your area.

Step 2: Test Your Water for Lead

Regular water testing will help you detect lead early and mitigate the fallout from a full-blown contamination. Here’s how to test for lead in your drinking water:

1. Contact a Certified Lab or Water Professional: Use a state-certified laboratory to test your water. They will provide accurate results and recommendations.
2. Collect Samples: Follow the lab’s instructions for collecting water samples. It’s important to take samples from multiple tabs to get a comprehensive assessment.
3. Analyze the Results: The lab will analyze your samples and provide a report detailing lead levels in your water.

NH Tap offers comprehensive water testing services that include lead analysis. We’ll take care of all three steps – collecting samples, communicating with the certified lab, and analyzing the results. By testing your water regularly, you can stay informed about any potential contamination risks and take appropriate action.

Step 3: Flush Your Pipes

One simple way to reduce lead levels in your drinking water is to flush your pipes. Lead concentrations are typically higher when water has been sitting in the pipes for several hours.

1. Run Cold Water: Let cold water run from your tap for 1-2 minutes before using it for drinking or cooking.
2. Use a Timer: Set a timer to ensure you flush the pipes long enough to reduce blood levels effectively.
3. Multiple Taps: Flush all tabs that you use for drinking and cooking.

Flushing your pipes helps clear out water that may have accumulated lead, resulting in fresher, safer water.

Step 4: Use Cold Water for Consumption

Always use cold water for drinking, cooking, and making baby formula. Hot water can dissolve lead more quickly, increasing the risk of contamination. If you need hot water, heat cold water on the stove or in the microwave.

Step 5: Install Water Filtration Systems

Installing a well water filtration system is one of the most effective ways to reduce lead exposure. Look for filters certified to remove lead, such as those with NSF/ANSI standard 53 certification.

Here are some options:

• Faucet-Mounted Filters: These filters attach directly to your faucet and can remove lead and other contaminants.
• Under-Sink Filters: Installed under your sink, these filters provide a more permanent solution and can handle higher volumes of water.
• Whole-House Filters: For comprehensive protection, consider a whole-house filtration system that treats all the water entering your home.

Step 6: Replace Lead Plumbing Components

For a long-term solution, consider replacing lead-containing plumbing components. This can include:

• Lead Pipes: Replace lead pipes with copper or plastic alternatives.
• Fixtures and Faucets: Install lead-free fixtures and faucets.
• Service Lines: If your home has a lead service line, work with your water utility to replace it.

While this can be a significant investment, it’s the most effective way to eliminate lead exposure from your plumbing.

Step 7: Stay Informed and Advocate for Change

Stay informed about water quality issues in your community by following updates from your local water utility and health department. Advocate for regular testing and infrastructure improvements to keep water safe for all residents.

Conclusion

Reducing lead exposure in your drinking water is crucial for protecting you and your family’s health. By identifying lead sources, testing your water, flushing pipes, using cold water, installing filtration systems, replacing lead plumbing, and staying informed, you can significantly reduce the risk of lead contamination.

Are you worried you might have a lead problem? Rather than add extra work to your plate or worry about doing each step correctly, you can take advantage of a local professional with NH Tap’s water testing and filtration services. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards cleaner, safer water in your home.