Prior to 1986 more than 70% of municipalities were using lead-based products for distributing water because lead was less expensive and more durable than iron. This practice was finally banned in 1986 for new home construction.

Lead can get into your drinking water when the water lines servicing your home, that contain lead, begin to corrode. This normally happens when the water contains high acidity or low mineral content. Lead release is heavily influenced by the chemistry of the water. It can also occur during road construction or other physical disturbances such as water main replacement to the water lines running under the road supplying your home.

THE AFFECTS OF LEAD ON YOUR FAMILY

Even low amounts of lead in the water can cause a significant increase in lead levels in your blood and any damage is irreversible. Lead is a dangerous neurotoxin that affects childhood health and development. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, lead exposure can affect nearly every system in a child’s body, inhibiting the development of both physical and mental abilities.

METHODS FOR LEAD REMOVAL

Soluble lead is invisible, odorless, tasteless and requires your water to be chemically treated to be removed. Particulate lead is similar to a grain of sand and requires it to be physically removed through filtering.