In 2014, during the Flint Water Crisis, it was discovered that the water was contaminated with lead. As the research began, people discovered that the old pipes had lead that was contaminating the water. While the latest plumbing pipes don’t use lead, some homes still have old pipes that mix lead in water.
Lead contamination in drinking water is very harmful and needs immediate attention. Exposure to lead, even in small amounts, can cause serious health issues, especially in children and pregnant women.
In this article, you can learn how you can find there is lead in water and how to remove lead from water with water purification methods to make sure that you are drinking clean water.
How Does Lead Enter Into Water?
Lead can enter your water from the corrosion in old pipes, fixtures, faucets, and plumbing systems made of lead or containing lead solder. Over time, due to the corrosion of pipes, lead can enter into the water supply. Lead is a naturally occurring metal on earth and was used in plumbing materials many years ago. It is essential for you to know that the lead is tasteless, odorless, and colorless, so you can only confirm it by testing.
Is Lead in Drinking Water Dangerous?
Lead is toxic and can harm your body even with a small amount. It can mainly affect the children. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), children are exposed to high levels of lead through water supply in 4 million homes in the US.
Children with lead exposure can have health issues like learning difficulties and delays in growth. In adults, it can cause high blood pressure and kidney damage. Pregnant women are at high risk because it can affect their unborn child, like low weight, premature birth and even miscarriage.
How to Test Lead in Water?
Lead has no taste, smell, or odor, so you can only confirm it by doing the test. You can test yourself at your home with testing kits that you can buy from nearby stores. Just follow the instructions mentioned on the kit, and it will indicate whether lead is present in water or not.
You can also contact your municipal water suppliers, who can test the water and are bound to give you the results. But they can not tell you the exact source from where lead enters the water supply.
If you want to know the exact concentration of lead in water, then you can go for lab testing. Professional technologists can do reliable tests and give the exact concentration of lead in water. The maximum contaminant level goal of lead in drinking water set by the EPA is zero.
Lead is just one of the many dangers that can contaminate drinking water. Other risks, like harmful chemicals or bacteria, can also make water unsafe. It’s essential to understand these threats and take precautions to ensure the water you consume is clean and safe for you and your family.
How to Remove Lead from Water
You can adopt different methods to remove lead from the water. Lead can be removed from water by replacing all the pipes in your home that contain lead. It can also be removed by filtration aslaman systems, reverse osmosis, and using copper pipes.
1- Reverse Osmosis
A reverse osmosis system is one of the most effective solutions to remove lead. These systems use a semipermeable membrane to filter out contaminants, including lead.
2- Water Filtration Systems
Another useful method is water filtration for lead removal. Depending on your requirements, you can choose POU or whole-house filters. Filters with activated carbon, distillation systems, or NSF-certified products specifically designed for lead removal are effective.
3- Use of Copper Pipes
While copper does not directly remove lead, replacing lead pipes with copper ones can significantly reduce further lead contamination. This is a long-term solution to improve water quality.
4- Flushing Your Pipes
Running cold water for a few minutes before use can help flush lead that may have leached into water. Avoid using hot water for drinking or cooking, as it can dissolve lead more easily.
5- Water Softeners
While water softeners do not directly target lead, they remove minerals like calcium and magnesium, and combining them with filtration systems can enhance lead removal efficiency.
How to Prevent Lead Contamination in Water?
Preventing lead contamination from water starts with replacing old lead pipes and plumbing fixtures with safer materials, such as copper or PVC. Regularly test your water to monitor lead levels and identify issues early. Use NSF-certified water filtration systems, such as reverse osmosis or activated carbon filters, to remove lead. According to the CDC, flush your taps with running water for a few minutes before use, as this can reduce lead that may leach into water. Avoid using hot tap water for cooking or drinking, as it dissolves lead more easily than cold water.
Conclusion
Safe drinking water is important for protecting your health, especially from the harmful effects of lead in water. It is not something that you should ignore. Regular testing, using effective filtration systems like reverse osmosis, and replacing old pipes can significantly reduce lead contamination. Prioritize preventive measures to keep your water supply clean and safe. By doing this you can improve your water quality for years.
FAQs
Does an RO System Remove Lead?
A reverse osmosis system is one of the most reliable methods for removing lead from drinking water. It effectively filters out lead and other contaminants from water.
What Does Lead Look Like in Water?
Lead is invisible to the naked eye because it is colorless and tasteless. Only testing can confirm its presence in water.
Does Copper Remove Lead from Water?
No, copper does not remove lead from water. However, replacing lead pipes with copper pipes prevents lead from leaching into the water supply.
Is Reverse Osmosis Water Safe to Drink?
Yes, RO water is safe and often better for health because it removes harmful contaminants, including lead.
