How can lead enter the drinking water in my home?

Lead is rarely present when water flows from the treatment facility, nor is it present in the water mains running beneath the streets. However, lead may be present in the privately owned pipes connecting the home to the municipal water system – known as a service line - or in the home plumbing. If the water sits stagnant in the water service line where a lead pipe is present, the potential of lead leaching into the water exists. The lead in these service pipes, the plumbing or the fixtures can dissolve, or particles can break off into water that comes out of your tap.

Lead can enter the drinking water in your home from the following:

• A lead water service line found in homes built before the mid-1960s
• Lead solder was used to join pipes together before the 1990s; and
• Leaded brass fixtures, such as faucets and valves.

For properties with lead service pipes, leaded-brass fixtures or lead solder, the Water Authority anticipates lead levels at the tap will increase.

If you have lead plumbing, then you need to take precautions to reduce your lead exposure.