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  • How does the Safe Drinking Water Act limit lead in pipes, plumbing fittings, fixtures, faucets, solder and flux?

    Answer: Section 1417 of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) establishes the definition for “lead free” as a weighted average of 0.25% lead calculated across the wetted surfaces of a pipe, pipe fitting, plumbing fitting, and fixture and 0.2% lead for solder and flux. The Act also provides a methodology…

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  • Is exposure to lead contaminated drinking water from absorption through skin a health threat?

    Answer: Human skin does not absorb lead in water. For more information visit our website: https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/basic-information-about-lead-drinking-water . Question (23002-32377) Find a printable PDF copy of all frequent questions pertaining to lead .

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  • Are non-transient, non-community water systems (NTNCWSs) required to monitor for lead and copper?

    Answer: All community water systems (CWSs) and NTNCWSs must collect lead and copper tap samples. The frequency of the monitoring and number of samples to be collected and analyzed is based primarily on the number of people served and tap water monitoring results. For an outline of monitoring requirements (e.g…

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  • Is there anything else I can do beyond flushing my tap or buying bottled water?

    Answer: Yes, find “Important Steps You Can Take to Reduce Lead in Drinking Water” if you are concerned about lead in their drinking water. The list is not intended to be exhaustive or to imply that all actions equally reduce lead from drinking water. EPA recommends you also contact your…

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  • My neighbors got their water tested and found lead. Is my water safe?

    Answer: Lead usually gets into drinking water through contact with plumbing materials such as lead pipes or lead solder, or faucets, valves, and fixtures made of brass (brass contains some lead). Since each home has different plumbing pipes and materials, test results are likely to be different for each home…

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  • Can one still sell lead solder under the Lead Ban?

    Answer: Section 1417(a)(3) of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) prohibits the sale of solder and flux that is not lead-free unless the solder or flux bears a prominent label stating that it is illegal to use the solder or flux in the installation or repair of any plumbing providing…

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  • Why do water systems add phosphate to drinking water? What are the health effects of drinking water containing phosphates? 

    Answer: Public water systems (PWSs) commonly add phosphates to drinking water to prevent the release of metals in drinking water. Orthophosphate is most commonly used for lead and copper control. Polyphosphates sequester iron and manganese to prevent discolored water but are not effective to control lead and copper. Blended phosphates…

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  • Read frequent questions on lead in drinking water

    Read frequent questions on lead in drinking water . Find a printable PDF copy of all frequent questions pertaining to lead .

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  • What are the public education requirements for non-transient, non-community water systems (NTNCWSs) that have exceeded the lead action level?

    Answer: When there is a lead action level exceedance, non-transient, non-community water systems (NTNCWSs) must post informational posters on lead in drinking water in public places or common areas in buildings they serve. NTNCWSs must also distribute informational pamphlets and/or brochures on lead in drinking water to each person they…

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  • How can lead get into my drinking water?

    Answer: Lead can enter drinking water when plumbing materials that contain lead corrode, especially where the water has high acidity or low mineral content that corrodes pipes and fixtures. The most common sources of lead in drinking water are lead pipes, faucets, and fixtures. In homes with lead pipes that…

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  • Does boiling water remove lead?

    Answer: No, boiling water does not remove lead. Question (23002-32378) Find a printable PDF copy of all frequent questions pertaining to lead .

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  • Will my filter remove lead?

    Answer: Some filters can remove lead from drinking water. If you use a filter, be sure to get one that is tested and certified by an independent third party. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s directions to learn how to properly install and use your filter and when to replace…

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  • Where can I get more information on lead in drinking water?

    Answer: For more information, visit https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/basic-information-about-lead-drinking-water or contact us online at https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/forms/online-form-epas-office-ground-water-and-drinking-water . You may also contact by email at safewater@epa.gov . Your state or local public health department will also be able to provide information about lead. Question (23002-32409) Find a printable PDF copy of all frequent questions pertaining…

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  • What home treatment devices are used to control lead in drinking water?

    Answer: EPA has developed a consumer tool to identify point-of-use drinking water filters certified to reduce lead at: https://www.epa.gov/water-research/consumer-tool-identifying-pou-drinking-water-filters-certified-reduce-lead . Question (23002-32406) Find a printable PDF copy of all frequent questions pertaining to lead .

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  • Should I be worried about lead contamination from the plumbing in a newly built home?

    Answer: P lumbing in newer homes, especially those constructed after their state adopted the 1986 SDWA lead ban, should have plumbing materials that contain lower levels of lead than homes constructed prior to that date. must ,EPA has provided a table with dates by which each state adopted the 1986…

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