How Lead Gets in Your Water
Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits.
While water doesn’t contain lead when it’s released by the treatment plant, it could contain dangerous levels by the time it reaches your sink.
Where the Lead Comes From
Certain additives dissolve metals and other minerals from pipes; chemicals, such as chloramines used to disinfect water, change water’s chemistry, making it more corrosive.
Water Main
Carries water from the treatment plant. It is rare for the water main to leach lead into the water.
Service Line
Connects each building to the water supply. Until a few decades ago, the lines commonly were made of lead. Even those installed since then might have some lead content.
Water Meter
Measures water use. Older meters could have high lead content. Even today's "lead-free" meters legally can contain as much as 8%.
Solder
Used to join pipes. After copper pipes replaced lead pipes, solder became a major contributor of lead contamination. Today's "lead-free" solder can contain no more than 0.2%.
Household Plumbing
Carries water through a home. Older homes may have lead pipes. Newer plumbing also may have substantial lead content, including "lead-free" pipes, which can contain as much as 8%.
Faucets
Brass fixtures (which include many chromed fixtures) are most likely to contain lead. Like other water pipes and fixtures, "lead-free" faucets can contain as much as 8%