Could there be lead in your tap water? If your home was built before 1986—or you live in an area with aging infrastructure—it’s a very real possibility. Lead is a common environmental concern, particularly in homes and communities with older plumbing systems.
Lead contamination in drinking water typically occurs through corroded pipes and fixtures, not from the water source itself. And because lead has no taste, color, or odor, it can easily go undetected for years without testing.
Testing your drinking water is one of the most effective ways to know if your household is at risk—and what steps you can take to ensure your water is safe. Here's what to know.
What Is Lead and How Does It Enter Your Drinking Water?
Lead is a heavy metal once widely used in household plumbing, solder, and fixtures. While the use of lead in plumbing materials was banned in the U.S. in 1986, many older homes and municipal systems still contain legacy pipes and solder that may leach lead over time.
Corrosion is the primary cause of lead contamination in tap water. Water that is acidic or has low mineral content can cause pipes to break down, allowing lead to enter the water supply. This is more common in homes with:
- Lead service lines connecting the home to the main water line
- Plumbing systems installed before 1986
- Faucets, valves, or pipe fittings made of brass or chrome-plated brass
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), an estimated 9 million homes across the United States still receive water through pipes that may contain lead.
In addition to water pipes, plumbing fixtures and older lead-based paints can contribute to lead exposure—especially during home renovations or deterioration in older buildings.
Health Risks of Lead in Drinking Water
Lead exposure is particularly harmful to young children, infants, and pregnant women. The CDC reports that there is no safe level of lead in the body—even low levels can cause permanent health damage.
In children, lead exposure has been linked to:
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Developmental delays
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Lower IQ and attention issues
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Learning difficulties
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Behavioral problems
One of the most concerning effects is how lead interferes with brain development and cognitive function during early childhood. It may also damage blood cells, weakening the immune response and contributing to adverse health effects that persist into adulthood.
Adults exposed to lead in drinking water over time may experience:
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High blood pressure
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Kidney damage
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Fertility issues
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Neurological effects
Increases in blood pressure, particularly systolic and diastolic blood pressure, are common among adults exposed to even small amounts of lead in water. Over time, this may contribute to cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease, both of which are linked to lead’s toxic impact on human organs.
While lead is most dangerous to developing bodies, it can affect anyone. Long-term exposure, even to small amounts, can accumulate in the body and contribute to serious health complications.
How Do You Know If There’s Lead in Your Water?
Lead is undetectable by taste, smell, or sight. That’s why testing is so important. Municipal testing only covers public supplies—not your individual home’s plumbing. This means that even if your city reports “safe” lead levels, your household water could still be affected by corrosion in old pipes.
If your home was built before 1986, or you’ve never had your water tested for lead, it’s a good idea to consider it; especially if children, infants, or elderly individuals live in your home.
Understanding Your Water System: Public or Community
Many homeowners receive water from public water systems or community water systems, both of which are regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems must regularly monitor water quality and report detectable levels of contaminants, including lead. However, these results often reflect averages across multiple locations—not individual homes.
Your water supplier may issue consumer confidence reports (CCRs) annually. These reports provide information about the water chemistry, source, and contaminant levels, but again, they don’t account for what's happening in your home's service lines or internal plumbing.
Lead contamination is often a common source of water quality issues in older neighborhoods where infrastructure has not yet undergone service line replacement. Aging pipes can degrade, contributing to increasing levels of lead in tap water, particularly after disturbances like road construction or utility work.
Testing for Lead in Drinking Water
The most accurate way to check for lead in your water is through laboratory testing. At Watercheck, our Lead Water Test Kit is designed to provide a certified, detailed analysis of your tap water. It’s a simple process:
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You collect a water sample using the instructions provided.
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Return the kit to our laboratory.
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We’ll test your water and send you a comprehensive, easy-to-read report.
Our lab-certified results meet strict standards and can help identify whether your water is safe to drink or if further action is needed.
What If Lead Is Detected in Your Water?
If your test results show elevated lead levels, there are steps you can take right away to reduce your risk:
1. Stop using tap water for drinking or cooking – Especially if preparing infant formula. Boiling water does not remove lead; it may even concentrate it.
2. Use cold water for cooking and drinking – Hot water is more likely to contain higher lead levels as it can dissolve lead more quickly.
3. Install a water filter certified for lead removal – Look for filters that meet NSF/ANSI Standard 53 or Standard 58. These filters are tested and proven to remove lead from drinking water.
4. Flush your pipes – If water has been sitting in the pipes for several hours, run cold water for several minutes before use.
5. Consult a licensed plumber – Consider having your pipes, solder, and fixtures inspected for lead. If lead service lines are present, replacement may be necessary.
6. Test again – After implementing any changes or upgrades, it’s important to test your water again to verify that lead levels have been reduced.
Public Water vs. Private Wells: Know the Difference
If you receive water from a municipal system, your local water authority is required to test water at the treatment facility. However, once water leaves the treatment plant, it can still be affected by the plumbing it passes through especially if the service lines or household pipes contain lead.
If you have a private well, your water is not regulated by the EPA or tested by local authorities. That means you're responsible for your own water quality and regular testing is the only way to know what’s in your water.
When Should You Test for Lead?
You should test for lead if:
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Your home was built before 1986
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You’re pregnant or have children under the age of six
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You notice discolored water or frequent plumbing issues
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There has been construction or plumbing replacement in your area
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Your water has never been tested or hasn’t been tested in several years
Lead levels of exposure can vary based on time of day, water usage, and pipe corrosion, so testing multiple tap water samples at different intervals can provide a clearer picture of your home’s water quality.
If elevated lead levels are detected, your healthcare provider may recommend testing for blood lead levels, particularly in children or other vulnerable individuals in your household.
Clean, Safe Water Starts at Home
Lead in drinking water is a serious health risk—but it’s one you can control. Testing your water is a simple and affordable first step toward protecting your family’s health. Whether you live in a big city, a small town, or a rural area with a private well, knowing what’s in your water gives you the power to make informed decisions.
At Watercheck, we’re committed to helping homeowners understand and improve their water quality. With our certified testing kits and support resources, we make it easy to monitor what matters most.
Test your water. Protect your health. Start with Watercheck.
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Disclaimer:
Watercheck™ is an authorized laboratory that provides certified water testing services for informational and environmental screening purposes. The content in this article is intended for general education and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about lead exposure, blood lead levels, or related health effects, please consult a licensed healthcare provider or contact your local health department for further assistance.
