Lead in Drinking Water
EPA Limit (MCL)
15 ug/L
EPA Goal (MCLG)
0 ug/L
Health Guideline
0.5 ug/L
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics
Status
Regulated
Health Effects
There is no safe level of lead exposure. Lead causes developmental delays and learning difficulties in children, and can cause kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults.
How Lead Gets Into Water
Enters drinking water primarily through corrosion of lead pipes, solder, and fixtures in older homes and buildings. Homes built before 1986 are most at risk.
How to Remove Lead
NSF/ANSI 53 certified filters (activated carbon or KDF) effectively remove lead. Reverse osmosis also works. Running cold water for 30 seconds before use can reduce lead from pipes.
Recommended: NSF/ANSI 53 Certified Filter
Activated carbon filters certified under NSF/ANSI 53 are effective at reducing lead and other heavy metals.
Up to 99% lead removal
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