How can I tell if my water contains lead?

Answer: To determine if your water has lead, have your water tested. Please see the answer to Question (23002-32382) for more information on testing. Since you cannot see, taste, or smell lead dissolved in water, testing is the only sure way of telling whether lead is present in your drinking water. Consider testing particularly if your home has lead pipes (lead is a dull gray metal that is soft enough to be easily scratched with a house key). For more information on how to identify plumbing materials, EPA has developed the Protect-Your-Tap: A Quick Check for Lead online step-by-step guide to help people identify lead pipes in their homes: https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/protect-your-tap-quick-check-lead.

Question (23002-32388)

Find a printable PDF copy of all frequent questions pertaining to lead.