Lead in Drinking Water
Click for printer-friendly
version (PDF)
How Lead Gets Into Water
Lead in drinking water usually comes from water distribution lines or
household plumbing rather than lakes, wells or streams. Lead from other
sources, such as ingesting old-paint chips or dust, can add to the
effects of lead in water.
Health Issues
Because the nervous and circulatory systems in young children are not
fully developed, lead and other toxic substances can easily enter the
brain. Long-term exposure to even low levels of lead can cause
irreversible learning difficulties, mental retardation, and delayed
neurological and physical development. Infants and children up to age 6
are most susceptible to these toxic effects. Pregnant women exposed to
lead can pass the effects to their unborn child. Exposure for adults
primarily affects the nervous system. It can impair hearing, vision, and
muscle coordination. Lead is also toxic to the blood, kidney, heart, and
reproductive system.
Lead poisoning is a particular problem because there may be no unique
signs or symptoms associated with lead exposure. Early symptoms of lead
poisoning may include loss of appetite, fatigue, irritability, anemia
and, sometimes, abdominal pain. Because of the general nature of
symptoms at this stage, lead poisoning is not often suspected.
Measuring Lead in Drinking Water
Lead may be present in your home drinking water if:
- There are lead pipes, brass fixtures, or lead connectors in your
home or community water system.
- Lead solder was used on your home water pipes.
- You have soft water (low mineral content), or acidic water.
The only way to know the amount of lead in your household water is to
have your water tested. Many certified labs in Washington perform these
tests for $20 to $40 per test. Lab staff can answer questions and tell
you how to collect water samples. For the name of a certified drinking
water laboratory near you, call the Office of Drinking Water (see phone
list on page 2).
Reducing Lead Exposure
Ways to reduce lead in home drinking water:
- If water in a particular faucet is not used for six hours or
longer, "flush" the pipes by running cold water through it until the
water is noticeably colder—about one minute. The more time water
sits in your home’s pipes, the more lead and other dissolved metals
the water may contain.
- Use only cold water for drinking, cooking, and making baby
formula. Hot water may contain higher levels of lead.
- Clean the screens and aerators in faucets frequently to remove
captured lead particles.
- If building or remodeling, only use “lead free” piping and
materials for plumbing.
Drinking Water Regulations
We require public water systems to:
- Collect samples from some residential customers.
- Treat the water when more than 10 percent of samples exceed the
action level (0.015 parts per million).
- Provide annual public education to all consumers when samples
exceed the action level for lead.
For More Information
Visit the Office of Drinking Water website or call:
Southwest Region, Tumwater (360) 236-3030
Northwest Region, Kent (253) 395-6750
Eastern Region, Spokane Valley (509) 329-2100
General Information (800) 521-0323
Department of Health’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program:
(800) 909-9898
November, 2009
DOH 331-177
|
