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What Is Lead Water Contamination
What Is Lead Water Contamination
Lead water contamination is the presence of lead in drinking water. This can be dangerous to young kids and adults. Lead is a toxic metal, when taken into the human body, can cause serious health issues, particularly in young children, pregnant women, and pregnant individuals.
How Does Lead Get Into Water?
Lead Paint
Lead solder
Corrosion on Plumbing Materials
Lead Service Lines
Old Pipe Lines
No Filters
No Cleaning
Health Risks
Children: Lead is particularly dangerous to young children because their bodies and brains are still developing. Exposure to lead can cause developmental delays, lower IQ, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems.
Pregnant Women: Women exposed to lead during pregnancy can harm the fetus, leading to premature birth, low birth weight, or developmental issues, etc.
Adults: long term exposure for adults can lead to high blood pressure, damaged kidneys, and reproductive issues.
General Health: Lead water exposure to even small amounts over time can affect the nervous system and other body functions.
Regulations
Safe Drinking Water Act
The Safe Drinking Water Act was passed in 1974 to ensure that the water Americans drink is safe, clean, and free from contaminants. It gives the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the authority to set standards for drinking water quality and oversee other countries to ensure their water is safe to drink. The act only applies to all public water systems in the United States.
Lead And Cooper Rule
The Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) is a regulation made in 1991 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to protect public health by minimizing exposure to lead and copper in drinking water. This is because both Lead and copper can go into drinking water from corroded pipes. This regulation had its most significant revision with the goal to minimize lead exposure more and allow for more pipe replacements.
Important Steps To take To Reduce Lead
Use A Lead Filter: Choose a filter made to remove lead
Use Cold Water: Always use cold water for drinking, and cooking. Boiling water does not remove lead.
Flush Your Pipes: Run water before drinking, especially if it has been sitting in the pipes.
Find Lead Service Lines: Find out if your home has a lead service line by contacting a license plumber
Test Your Water: Get a water testing kit and check if water levels are safety in your area
Get Involved
Educate yourself and others about the dangers of lead water to spread awareness of this issue
Advocate for water line replacement and regulations
Advocate for more and better water testing
Push for clean water funding
Start a fundraiser
Partner and support other organization to tackle this issue
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