Lead is not typically found in the streams, reservoirs or wells that serve as water supplies or in the main water lines that carry water from treatment plants to homes. Yet, the chemical properties of water can cause lead and other metals to leach into drinking water. The main source of lead in drinking water is from lead service lines (the pipes that deliver water from water mains in the street and into homes) and from typical household plumbing (lead solder and brass fixtures) that contain lead. Households that have, or suspect having, lead service lines or lead in their household plumbing are strongly encouraged to replace them. 

Many customers are surprised to learn that Aqua may not know the exact material of the water service line at their property. This is a common question, and the reason is largely due to how water systems were built and recorded in the past. 

Much of the underground water infrastructure in our service areas was installed decades ago, often long before modern record keeping standards existed. At the time, utilities were not required to document the specific materials used for each individual service line, and paper records, when they existed, were often incomplete, inconsistent, or lost over time. In addition, service lines may have been repaired, replaced, or partially replaced by property owners without notice to the water utility. 

Recent regulations now require water utilities to develop accurate inventories of service line materials. This is why Aqua is actively working to identify and confirm what materials are present, sometimes in partnership with customers. 

If your line was replaced as part of Aqua’s Lead Service Line Replacement Program, please flush your water before use.

To do so, please review and follow these very important instructions to minimize your exposure to metals, such as lead, which might have been stirred up due to the service-line replacement work. Please flush all your faucets using these steps:

Lead Fact Sheet

Lead is a common metal found in the environment.  Drinking water is one possible source of lead exposure.  Lead Service lines, brass faucets, fittings, and valves, including those advertised as “low lead” or “lead-free,” may contribute lead to drinking water.  Regulations previously allowed “low lead” fixtures containing up to 8 percent lead.  Current regulations only allow “lead-free” fixtures with up to 0.25 percent lead.  When water is in contact with pipes, service lines, or plumbing that contains lead for several hours, the lead may enter drinking water.  Homes built before 1990 are more likely to have lead pipes or lead solder.

The main sources of lead exposure are lead-based paint, lead-contaminated dust or soil, and some plumbing materials.  In addition, lead can be found in certain types of pottery, pewter, brass fixtures, food, and cosmetics.  Other sources include exposure in the workplace and exposure from certain hobbies (lead can be carried on clothing or shoes).  Lead is found in some toys, some playground equipment, and some children’s metal jewelry.

Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups.  Infants and children can have decreases in IQ and attention span.  Lead exposure can lead to new learning and behavior problems or exacerbate existing learning behavior problems.  The children of women who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy can have increased risk of these adverse health effects.  Adults can have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney, or nervous system problems.

If you are concerned about lead exposure:

• Contact your local health department or healthcare provider to find out how you can get your child tested for lead.
• Visit the EPA at EPA.gov/lead for more information on the health effects of lead or reducing lead exposure in your home.
• Call Aqua at 877.987.2782 for information about testing your water.

If your home’s water shows elevated levels of lead, or if you are concerned about the potential of lead in your water, below are ways you can minimize your exposure. 

• Run your tap to flush out lead.  If your water hasn’t been used for several hours, run your water for a few minutes or until it becomes cold or reaches a steady temperature before drinking or cooking. 
• Use cold water to cook or prepare baby formula.  Do not boil water to reduce lead.  Lead dissolves more easily in hot water and boiling water will concentrate the lead.  
• Do not boil water to remove lead.  Boiling water will not reduce lead.
• Consider alternative sources or treatment of water.  You may want to consider purchasing bottled water or a water filter.  Read the package to be sure the filter is approved to reduce lead or contact NSF International (www.nsf.org) for information on performance standards for water filters.  Be sure to maintain and replace a filter device in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions to protect water quality.
• Test your water for lead.  Call us at 1-877-987-2782 to find out how to get your water tested for lead. 
• Get your child’s blood tested. Contact your local health department or healthcare provider to find out how you can get your child tested for lead if you are concerned about exposure.