Steps to Reduce Lead in Drinking Water

To prevent lead from getting into your drinking water, check your household plumbing to ensure the plumbing materials are lead-free. If you have plumbing materials made with lead, here are some actions you can take to reduce your exposure:

Flush Your Pipes- Run cold water for about five minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. Doing so gets ride of the water that has been sitting in your pipes for hours. The best ways to flush your pipes are to take a shower, run the dishwasher, or do a load of laundry.

Use Cold Water- do not boil water to use for cooking or baby formula. Hot water does not remove lead. In fact, hot water can have higher levels of lead.

Clean Faucet Aerators- Sediment, debris, and lead particles can collect on the faucet’s screen. Check the aerator regularly to ensure that it remains clean and free from harmful particles.

Use a Water Filter- There are home water filters that are certified to remove lead. Look for filters that have the NSF/ANSI or Water Quality Association (WQA) certification that meet the standard 53 for lead removal. Ensure these water filters are installed properly and maintained regularly.