Quality is Always on Tap: Understanding Lead and Minimizing Your Exposure

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), lead is a naturally occurring element found in small amounts in the earth’s crust. While it has some beneficial uses, it can be toxic to humans and animals.

In recent years, there has been growing concern about lead in drinking water. While lead pipes were banned in the U.S. in 1986, many older homes still have lead service lines or plumbing fixtures that contain lead.

American Water continues to take proactive steps to reduce the potential for lead to leach from household pipes into the water, as well as implemented a Lead Service Line Replacement Program to replace lead service lines in the communities it is privileged to serve.

Our testing shows that the water delivered to customers’ homes and businesses meets all state and federal requirements for lead. The most common source of lead in tap water is lead service lines or a customer’s internal plumbing. We are committed to removing the risk of lead service lines once and for all.

The company also offers a variety of resources to help customers understand the risks associated with lead in drinking water and the steps they can take to reduce their exposure.

The EPA also provides a wealth of information on its website, including an overview of lead and its sources, health effects associated with exposure to lead, and steps individuals can take to reduce their exposure.

It is also important to be aware of other potential sources of lead exposure. Lead and lead compounds have been used in a wide variety of products found in and around our homes, including paint, ceramics, gasoline, batteries, and cosmetics, to name a few.

More recently, Federal and state regulatory standards have helped to reduce the amount of lead in air, drinking water, soil, consumer products, food and occupational settings through the Safe Drinking Water Act and EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule.

By understanding the risks associated with lead exposure and taking steps to reduce exposure, we can help protect ourselves and our loved ones from lead.

For more information and guidance, visit American Water and the EPA websites.


Sources
https://www.amwater.com/corp/Water-Quality-Wastewater-Service/lead
https://www.epa.gov/lead/learn-about-lead