Lead
What you need to know.
Source
Sourced from your system.
In most cases, lead contamination in drinking water is caused by the presence of lead within the water distribution system. This distribution system spans from the water source to the interior taps, including pipework, fittings, soldered joints, and storage tanks.
While lead can occur naturally at the water source, it usually only appears in trace amounts which are below the regulatory limit. However, nearby industrial activities (e.g., lead smelting, metal processing plants, mining facilities…) or waste sites can introduce higher concentrations of lead to the local environment.
Key indicators
A silent threat.
Some reports suggest that lead contaminated drinking water has a slightly sweet taste, but lead usually goes completely undetected. With the lead dissolving into the water, there are rarely signs - such as colour, odour, taste, staining or residue - to alert you to the problem.
Regulatory limit
Maximum level = 10μg/l
The regulatory limit for lead in drinking water is 10 micrograms per litre (10μg/l). The limit is set to protect human health, as lead is a neurotoxin which can affect the function, development and health of the brain and nervous system.
Young children (particularly children under 2 years old) as well as individuals who are pregnant and/or nursing are categorised as a sensitive subgroup, as studies have shown that lead poisoning can significantly impact cognitive and intellectual development in the early stages of life.
Testing
Test and monitor.
Initial water tests will often take an investigatory approach, taking samples from various locations throughout the distribution system to identify where the lead is coming from and how much lead is present.
Water tests are necessary to both diagnose the problem and inform the solution as lead levels can fluctuate based on the pH, hardness (mineral content) and temperature of the water. Lead levels are also dependent on how much lead is present in the system and how much time the water has been in contact with the lead.
How likely is it that you have lead in your system?
The timeline of lead.
Key dates
1969
Lead piping is more likely to be present in properties built before 1970, as lead supply pipes were phased out in the 1960’s and eventually banned in 1969. As well as pipework, other key points in the distribution system such as water storage tanks could be made from lead or lead lined.
1987
Despite its ban in 1987, some tradesmen continue to illegally use lead solder to connect copper pipes within water distribution systems. Other potential sources of lead could be remaining small sections of lead pipe, internal or external hardware, or fixtures and fittings.
Next steps
What to do if you suspect lead contamination.
Look for lead
First and foremost, it’s good to get to know your system. If possible, map out the route that your drinking water supply takes from source to tap. Check for pipes, fittings, inlets, outlets and storage tanks. Common areas that can be overlooked are loft spaces and under the stairs.
Lead is a soft, malleable metal that turns from a shiny silver to a dull, dark grey when exposed to oxygen. Normally, when looking for lead, lead pipes can be easily identified by the round, swollen joints that form when two pipes are connected. Alternatively, if you lightly tap your pipe and you hear a dull thud, it is most likely to be lead.
Book a water test
The only way to confirm lead contamination is to book a water test.
We would strongly advise contacting your local Environmental Health Officer (EHO) to get guidance and schedule sampling. Your EHO will be able to provide valuable insight and advice for progressing forward, such as information on regulatory compliance, risk assessments, common issues facing private water supplies in your area and your eligibility for government grants to help cover the costs.
Alternatively, get in touch and we can sort your sampling for you.
Flush your pipes
While you're waiting for the water test results, it’s important that you keep yourself safe. You should flush your water through your pipes before use; a particularly important step if you are planning to use the water for drinking, cooking or brushing your teeth. Flushing your pipes helps to clear out any water that has had prolonged exposure to lead within the system, minimising the risk of excessively high lead concentrations in the water you use.
Typically, opening the cold tap and letting the water run for around 2 minutes is enough time to flush out the water that has been sitting in your pipework, but the tap may need to run longer depending on the amount and location of the lead components in your system. You should always run the tap for longer if the water has not been used for an extended amount of time, such as overnight or over a long weekend away.
Boiling does not remove lead
Lead contaminated drinking water cannot be made safe by boiling it. In fact, boiling lead contaminated water only increases the concentration of lead, increasing its risk to health. Lead concentrations can also be higher in water from the hot tap. It is advised that water from the hot tap should not be used at all for drinking, cooking or brushing your teeth. We would recommend that you drink, cook and brush your teeth with bottled water until the problem is diagnosed and a solution is in place.