What is Lead?
Lead is a natural metal that is found both in the natural environment and in man-made materials such as lead-based paint, batteries, ammunition, pipes, and solder. Many years ago, higher levels of lead were found in products such as paint, gas, solder, and ceramics. Due to health concerns relating to lead poisoning, levels in these types of products were reduced and restrictions were put into place. It has been shown that by reducing the lead levels in these items, the levels in our blood have also decreased.
How do I know if I have lead in my water?
As water travels to your home, it is possible that chemical reactions can occur between the water itself and the plumbing materials that are used in the pipes and faucets. These reactions can corrode the metal pipes, fixtures, and joining agents (solder) introducing these metals, including lead, into the water supply. This typically happens in older pipes as they continue to age. You could also have lead pipes within your home. We saw this example in Flint, Michigan, where the water was found to be very corrosive to lead. The lead then leached into the water from lead pipes and solder.
According to the CDC, lead rarely occurs naturally in water because it is usually introduced into the water from the delivery system. Even though it may not happen naturally, well water may still contain lead. Older wells may have lead in the “packer element, which helps seal the well, or in submersible pumps that may contain leaded-brass parts. Once the Water reaches the home, like city water, well water is susceptible to pipes and fixtures in your home that may contain lead that can leach into the water.
There is not a taste or smell associated with lead in drinking water, so it may be difficult to realize your water might be contaminated. It is important to determine your potential exposure to lead so you can take proper precautions. Test to see if you have a lead water line in your home by following these steps:
- Locate your water meter. (This can be inside or outside of your home)
- Locate the water line that goes into the water meter. (This will have a valve on it)
- If this water line is metal, scratch it slightly with a coin or a key. What color is it?
- Orange or copper: You likely have a copper water line.
- Silver or grey: Continue to follow these steps.
- Use a magnet on the pipe. Is it magnetic?
- Yes: You likely have a galvanized steel water line.
- No: Continue to the next step.
- Did it scratch easily?
- Yes, it was soft: You likely have a lead water line.
- No, it was hard: You may have a lead water line. Further confirmation will be needed.
Use this test on other pipes if you are unsure if you have lead pipes in your home.
IF YOU BELIEVE YOUR WATER HAS ELEVATED LEVELS OF LEAD OR YOU ARE UNSURE: GET YOUR WATER ANALYSIS
How to Reduce Lead Exposure
If you do not have a water filtration system in your home, the CDC recommends thoroughly flushing your plumbing of water that has been sitting in the pipes. This can be done by running cold water for 1-2 minutes before use for drinking or cooking. Boiling your water will not remove or filter lead from your water and can potentially increase it's concentration.Hot tap water can have higher amounts of lead. Reverse Osmosis drinking water systems are one of the best ways to remove lead from your drinking water. Kinetico offers certified systems for lead removal.
To get started, call us at (515) 277-6250 or contact us to schedule your free water analysis.