Lead pipes were once common in plumbing, but the health risks of lead exposure have turned this once-favored material into a major public health concern. The dangers of lead pipes affect communities across the country, especially in cities and homes with plumbing built before 1986. Learn how much lead leaks into water from lead pipes and the preferred alternative material for safe water distribution.
How Lead Gets Into Water
Lead enters water primarily through corrosion of lead pipes, solder, and fixtures, especially in older plumbing systems. When water is acidic or lacks minerals such as calcium carbonate, it accelerates this leaching process. Warm and stagnant water that has been in contact with lead materials for long periods often contains higher lead concentrations.
EPA Action Level for Lead
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set an action level for lead in drinking water at 15 micrograms per liter (µg/L). This means that if the lead levels in water go above this number, steps such as treating the water or replacing pipes should be taken to fix the problem. This level is not a health standard, but it does indicate when intervention is necessary. The EPA’s Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) for lead is zero because no amount of lead is safe for consumption.
Measuring Contamination
How much lead gets into water from a lead pipe can change based on factors such as how acidic the water is, how hot it is, and how old or worn the pipe is. Pipes that are in poor condition or that carry very acidic water are more likely to leach more lead. The lead levels in the water from these pipes often go over the EPA’s safety limit of 15 micrograms per liter. In some cases, the amount of lead can be much higher if the water is especially corrosive.
Lead Contamination Health Risks
Lead contamination in water can pose the following health risks:
- High levels of lead can harm brain development in children, leading to learning and behavioral problems.
- It can damage the nervous system, resulting in issues such as memory loss and difficulty concentrating.
- Pregnant people who have been exposed to lead may face risks of miscarriage or harm to the development of their unborn babies.
- Lead consumption over time can lead to kidney damage and high blood pressure in adults.
- Even low levels of lead can weaken the immune system and make the body more prone to illness.
What To Do About Lead Pipes
Replacing lead pipes with safer alternatives is an effective long-term solution. In New York City, sewer and water main companies replace lead pipes with copper ones. Copper is a safer material that does not leach harmful substances into drinking water. It’s also resistant to corrosion, making it a reliable choice for long-term water distribution.
Lead contamination in water mainly stems from old pipes and fixtures, with factors such as water acidity and temperature exacerbating the problem. The EPA’s action level of 15 micrograms per liter signals urgent intervention, yet even small amounts of lead are unsafe. Exposure to lead can lead to severe health risks, including brain damage, kidney issues, and harm to unborn babies. Replacing lead pipes with copper ones ensures safe drinking water and a durable distribution system.
