Health Risks

Lead exposure can affect health even at low levels. Children, infants, and fetuses are most at risk because their brains are still developing. In children, lead exposure can affect brain development and behaviour, including reduced IQ. In adults, it may increase blood pressure or contribute to kidney problems. Reducing exposure to lead helps lower these health risks.

Possible Sources of Lead

Lead in drinking water usually comes from plumbing materials inside a home rather than from the City’s water supply. Possible sources include lead service lines, brass faucets or fittings that contain small amounts of lead, and older plumbing with lead solder. Lead was allowed in pipes until 1975 and in solder until 1986 under the National Plumbing Code. Lead can enter drinking water when water sits in pipes for several hours, allowing small amounts to leach into the water or particles to break off and travel to the tap.

How to Reduce Exposure

There are simple steps you can take to reduce exposure to lead in drinking water:

• If water has been sitting in pipes for several hours, run the tap until the water turns cold, usually about five minutes, before using it for drinking or cooking.
• Always use cold tap water for drinking and cooking because hot water can increase the release of lead from plumbing materials.
• Check and clean faucet aerators or screens each month to remove any debris that may contain lead particles. Replacing older brass faucets and valves with certified low-lead fixtures can also help reduce risk.
• A household filter installed at the tap can remove lead from drinking water as a temporary solution, but it must be properly installed and maintained. Any filter purchased should be certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead removal.