Question 1

What is Lead in drinking water?

Accepted Answer

Federal law treats lead as an 'action level' contaminant rather than an MCL because lead enters water after it leaves the treatment plant, in the homeowner's plumbing. Utilities must take corrective action when more than 10% of sampled homes exceed 15 parts per billion (ppb). The revised Lead and Copper Rule lowers this threshold to 10 ppb and requires full lead service line replacement nationwide.

Question 2

What is the EPA limit for Lead in tap water?

Accepted Answer

The EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for Lead is 0.015 mg/L (action level).

Question 3

How does Lead get into drinking water?

Accepted Answer

Corrosion of household plumbing, lead service lines, and lead-based solder.

Question 4

What are the health effects of Lead in water?

Accepted Answer

Lead is a potent neurotoxin with no safe exposure level. In drinking water it primarily enters via corroded lead service lines, lead-soldered copper pipes, and brass fixtures. Children under 6 and pregnant women face the highest risk because lead disrupts developing nervous and skeletal systems.

Lead in Drinking Water

Health Effects

Common Sources

Is Lead in Your Water?

Other Contaminants

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