How to Remove Lead from Water

It is very dangerous to drink lead, especially for young children who are still developing. If you find out that your drinking water has lead in it, you will need to take action. By determining how much lead you have in your water, and then flushing your system, using a filter, or replacing your pipes, you can keep your water supply safe and drink it without worrying.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Finding out How Much Lead Is in Your Water

To be absolutely certain how much lead you have in your water, you will need to get it tested. Contact your state or local government to find out which labs have been accredited for testing water. Your state’s branch of the Environmental Protection Agency should have this information.^{[1]XTrustworthy SourcePenn State ExtensionEducational organization dedicated to delivering science-based information to people, businesses, and communitiesGo to source}
First, you need to collect a first-draw sample, which is water that has been sitting in your pipes overnight. Fill a bottle with this sample first thing in the morning before you’ve run any water. Next, you’ll need a sample of running water, which is water that hasn’t sat in your pipes. Run your cold water tap for 2 minutes and then fill a water bottle.^{[2]XTrustworthy SourcePenn State ExtensionEducational organization dedicated to delivering science-based information to people, businesses, and communitiesGo to source}
By studying these 2 samples, the lab will be able to tell you how much lead you have in your water. This will help you determine what action you need to take.^{[3]XTrustworthy SourcePenn State ExtensionEducational organization dedicated to delivering science-based information to people, businesses, and communitiesGo to source}
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Flushing Your Pipes

1
Turn on your cold water. If your water collects only trace amounts of lead (under 15 µg/L) from sitting in your pipes, you can remove it by flushing your pipes before using your water. When flushing your pipes, make sure you use only the cold water tap and never use the hot water tap.^{[4]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source}
- Hot water melts lead and then mixes with it, so you should never use your hot water tap if you have lead in your water.^{[5]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source}
After running your cold water for two minutes, all the water that has collected lead should be flushed out of the system.^{[6]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source}
3
Repeat this process for each faucet you want to use. When you run water, you are flushing only the pipes that lead to that specific faucet. You cannot expect your other faucets to have safe water.^{[7]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source}
- You will also need to repeat the process every time you want water. If you need a more permanent solution, you should try a different method.
4
Store water for future use. Clean out old water, soda, or milk bottles with soap, and then fill them with cold water from your flushed pipes. Leave them in the refrigerator or a cool, dark place. This way you will not have to flush your pipes every time you need to use water.^{[8]XTrustworthy SourcePenn State ExtensionEducational organization dedicated to delivering science-based information to people, businesses, and communitiesGo to source}
- Discard stored tap water if you haven’t used it within 6 months.^{[9]XTrustworthy SourcePenn State ExtensionEducational organization dedicated to delivering science-based information to people, businesses, and communitiesGo to source}
Again, you should never draw hot water if you have lead. If you need to cook, for instance, boil cold water that you’ve drawn from your flushed pipes.^{[10]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source}
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Using Water Treatments

1
Use a reverse osmosis device for best results. If your running water has a lead concentration of more than 15 µg/L, you may want to get a point-of-use treatment solution. There are many different options, but a reverse osmosis device is usually the most effective point-of-use treatment solution. However, it is also relatively expensive to purchase and operate.^{[11]XResearch source}
- Reverse osmosis devices are usually installed under the sink and use tiny membranes to screen out harmful materials like lead.
- They also tend to waste water while treating it, which raises their operating cost.
- If you have well above 15 µg/L of lead in your water, you will definitely want to consider a reverse osmosis device despite its cost.
- The Water Quality Association is a reliable resource for finding effective treatment products.^{[12]XResearch source}
2
Use a distiller or filter for a more cost effective solution. There are several different kinds of these products if you don’t need or can’t afford a reverse osmosis device. There are filters that fit right over your faucet for extremely convenient use. There are distillers that separate lead from your water over time and collect the clean water in a jug. And there are under-the-sink filters.^{[13]XResearch source}
- Before purchasing a distiller, make sure it is one that is approved by the Water Quality Association to remove lead from water. A regular Brita filter may not be enough to remove lead.
- If you want the convenience of filtering your water as soon as it comes out of the faucet, purchase a faucet filter.
- If you don’t want to take up space in your sink with a filter, purchase a distiller. Conveniently, many distillers also act as water dispensers.
3
Follow the device’s instructions when setting it up and using it. This will ensure that you are using your device properly and removing as much lead from your water as possible. Be sure to follow maintenance recommendations as well.
- For instance, the filters in reverse osmosis devices must be replaced periodically. Your instruction manual should tell you how often your model’s filter needs to be changed.
- For filters that fit over your faucet, you will usually have to run cold water through the filter for 5 minutes the first time you use it.^{[14]XTrustworthy SourceState of MichiganOfficial website for the State of MichiganGo to source}
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Replacing Lead Parts in Your Plumbing System

1
Identify the source of lead in your well or home. Sometimes wells or homes have old lead parts that affect the water. Hire a professional who knows how to look for sources of lead to be sure you’re finding them properly. Contact your state or local government’s environmental or water agencies for recommendations.^{[15]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source}
- If you have a well, you will want to speak with a licensed well water contractor.^{[16]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source}
- If you do not have a well, you will want to consult a water treatment technician.
2
Remove all copper pipes and lead solder. This is the most expensive option for getting lead out of your water, but it is also the most effective. To ensure that all the lead contaminants are removed properly, you will probably want to hire a plumber. This is a large and serious job that needs to be done with precision.^{[17]XTrustworthy SourcePenn State ExtensionEducational organization dedicated to delivering science-based information to people, businesses, and communitiesGo to source}
- The cost of this process varies based on your region and the size of your home. But it can often cost between $4,000 and $10,000 to replace all the pipes in single-family home.^{[18]XResearch source}
These newer materials will not contaminate your water. Once they are installed, your water should be totally lead-free. To be absolutely sure you no longer have lead in your water, have your water tested at a lab again.^{[19]XTrustworthy SourcePenn State ExtensionEducational organization dedicated to delivering science-based information to people, businesses, and communitiesGo to source}
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Warnings

You cannot taste, smell, or see lead in your water. Testing your water in a lab is the only way to know for sure if you have lead in your water and how much you have.
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If your home was built before the 1980s, the pipes could be joined with lead solder even if they are made from a different material.
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