Lead can enter drinking water supplies from natural mineral deposits, but also from many different industrial and manufacturing sources. Wherever it comes from, it can create harm even at extremely low concentrations. Despite the dangers of lead in drinking water, millions of American families consume water that contains measurable amounts of health-damaging lead, often without knowing it.
Learn more about the problems caused by lead in your water supply and how to eliminate it from your drinking water.
Why should I be concerned about lead in my drinking water?
Lead is a toxic metal that can make its way into drinking water from both natural and man-made sources. It can leach from mineral deposits in the earth or enter water supplies through pollution from industrial and manufacturing activities.
Even at very low concentrations, lead is dangerous. It accumulates in the body over time, and its harmful effects can last for years. Despite widespread awareness of the issue, millions of Americans are still exposed to measurable levels of lead in their tap water—often without realizing it.
When lead enters drinking water systems, it becomes nearly impossible to detect without testing. It’s colorless, odorless, and tasteless, which means families could be drinking contaminated water every day and have no idea. Protecting your home from this invisible risk begins with understanding where lead comes from, why it’s harmful, and what kind of water filter can effectively remove it.
Is there any safe level of lead exposure in drinking water?
No—there is no safe level. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the maximum contaminant level goal (MCLG) for lead is zero. This standard was set based on decades of scientific research showing that even the smallest amount of lead exposure can harm health, particularly for infants, children, and pregnant women.
The EPA emphasizes that because there is no safe level of lead exposure, any effort to reduce it can protect lives and improve health outcomes. This means every step you take—whether testing your water, replacing old pipes, or installing a certified filter—matters.
How much lead in the body is considered dangerous?
Lead is persistent—it stays in the body for years and builds up in bones, teeth, and tissues. Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the EPA agree that there is no safe amount of lead in drinking water or the human body.
The CDC defines a blood lead level of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL) as the point where health professionals should take action. That may sound like a small number, but to visualize it, imagine half a cup of your blood mixed with only 3.5 millionths of a gram of lead—that’s already enough to raise concern.
Because lead accumulates in the body over time, even small daily exposures through water, food, or household dust can lead to serious long-term effects.
Was the lead crisis only a problem in Flint, Michigan?
No. Flint was one of the most extreme and widely publicized cases, but the issue of lead in water is national in scope.
When the Flint crisis unfolded, the water in some homes tested more than six times higher than the EPA’s action level of 15 parts per billion (ppb). Some readings exceeded 100 ppb, and one home’s water contained a shocking 13,200 ppb of lead.
However, investigations have revealed that Flint was not an isolated case. A USA Today report found nearly 2,000 water systems across all 50 states exceeded federal limits for lead. These systems served approximately six million people. These discoveries make it clear that unsafe lead levels can be found anywhere—from big cities to small rural districts.
Even more alarming, some of the highest levels were found in schools and childcare centers, where children are most vulnerable.
- A Maine elementary school tested at 42 times the EPA limit.
- A Pennsylvania preschool exceeded the limit 14-fold.
- An elementary school in Ithaca, New York, recorded a staggering 5,000 ppb of lead in its drinking water.
How common is lead contamination in U.S. water supplies?
Unfortunately, it’s widespread. In 2025, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) reported that more than 250 million Americans had detectable lead in their drinking water systems. Of those, about 72 million were exposed to levels that violated health-based safety standards.
Lead contamination is especially likely in regions with older infrastructure or a history of heavy industry. Even decades after factories or smelters shut down, residues in soil and groundwater can continue to leach lead into water supplies.
Communities near old lead smelters in Missouri, battery recycling facilities in California, and mining districts in Idaho and Oklahoma have all recorded elevated lead levels long after operations ceased. Major cities face ongoing challenges too:
- Chicago has more than 100,000 lead service lines, and some homes have reported readings as high as 1,100 ppb.
- Cleveland continues to replace old pipes, where past levels often reached 20 ppb.
- Detroit is also replacing thousands of lead lines; before its replacement efforts began, water in many homes measured 10–12 ppb.
Why is lead so harmful, especially for children?
Lead is a powerful neurotoxin—a substance that damages the brain and nervous system. It affects almost every organ in the body, but children under six years old are the most vulnerable because their brains are still developing and they absorb lead more readily than adults.
According to the CDC, exposure to lead can cause:
- Permanent brain and nervous system damage
- Learning and behavior problems
- Lower IQ and academic performance
- Slower growth and development
- Hearing and speech difficulties
For adults, chronic exposure increases the risk of high blood pressure, kidney disease, and heart problems. Pregnant women face additional dangers: lead stored in bones can re-enter the bloodstream during pregnancy and cross the placenta, endangering the developing baby. No part of the body is immune to lead’s toxic effects. This is why prevention through testing and filtration is essential.
Can lead occur naturally in groundwater?
Yes. While most lead contamination results from human-made sources, naturally occurring lead deposits in bedrock can also leach into groundwater, particularly in regions with acidic or low-mineral water.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) found that groundwater in the eastern and southeastern United States—including parts of Georgia, the Carolinas, and Virginia—is more likely to dissolve lead from both natural sources and plumbing materials. These regions often have corrosive groundwater, which increases the risk that lead from pipes and fixtures will leach into household water supplies.
What human sources contribute most to lead in water?
Human activity has greatly increased the amount of lead in the environment. The most common causes include:
- Aging Pipes and Plumbing: Homes and cities built before 1986 are more likely to have lead service lines, solder, or fixtures. Before the federal government set “lead-free” standards, pipes could contain up to 8% lead by weight. Even some brass faucets can release lead into drinking water.
- Corrosive Water Chemistry: Water that is naturally acidic or low in minerals can dissolve lead from pipes and fixtures. If utilities fail to properly treat water to prevent corrosion, lead levels can spike dramatically.
- Industrial Pollution: Past discharges from factories, smelters, and mines continue to contaminate groundwater and rivers. Mismanaged industrial waste is still one of the most preventable sources of lead pollution.
- Legacy Contamination from Gasoline and Pesticides: For decades, leaded gasoline and lead-based pesticides deposited lead into soil. Even though these products are now banned, their residues persist. When contaminated soil is disturbed, the lead can then seep into groundwater or private wells.
How do water filters remove lead from drinking water?
Water filters remove lead through several mechanisms, but not every filter on the market can do this effectively. When choosing a filter, it’s crucial to look for NSF International certification proving that the product has been independently tested for effectiveness at reducing lead. Specifically, look for:
- NSF/ANSI Standard 53 — for carbon-based filters that remove lead and other chemical contaminants.
- NSF/ANSI Standard 58 — for reverse osmosis systems that remove lead, along with many other dissolved solids.
Filters meeting these standards can reduce lead from as high as 150 ppb down to 10 ppb or even 5 ppb, depending on the product and conditions.
What types of filters are certified to remove lead?
Several filter designs are available for home use, each with different levels of convenience, cost, and effectiveness:
- Pour-through Pitchers or Carafes:
These use activated carbon and ion exchange resins to trap lead as water passes through. They’re easy to use and portable, often certified under NSF/ANSI 53. - Faucet-mounted Filters: These attach directly to a kitchen faucet and filter water on demand. Many models meet the NSF/ANSI 53 standard and are ideal for renters or those needing a low-cost option.
- Countertop Systems: These connect to your sink with a small hose and run water through an internal filter. Like faucet units, they’re typically certified to NSF/ANSI 53.
- Under-sink Systems: Installed below the sink and connected to a separate filtered-water faucet, these systems provide a steady supply of lead-free water for drinking and cooking.
- Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems: These use a semipermeable membrane to remove lead and many other contaminants. They’re certified under NSF/ANSI 58 and are among the most effective options available.
- Refrigerator Filters: Many modern refrigerators include built-in water and ice filters that meet NSF/ANSI 53 for lead removal.
When purchasing, always check that your filter lists one of these certifications—it’s your assurance that the product truly works.
What is NSF International, and why is certification so important?
NSF International is an independent, nonprofit organization that tests products used for food, water, and consumer safety. When a water filter carries the NSF seal, it means the product has passed rigorous testing and meets strict performance standards.
Certification matters because not every filter on the market delivers what it promises. Some products may advertise “lead reduction,” but without certification, there’s no guarantee they’ve been tested under real-world conditions. NSF ensures that certified filters remove the amount of lead they claim to.
To maintain protection, follow the manufacturer’s replacement schedule—an expired filter can stop working effectively and even release trapped contaminants back into your water.
Should I test my water before buying a filter?
Yes. Testing is the first and most important step. You should know exactly what contaminants are present in your water before choosing a filtration system.
While you may be focused on lead, a professional test might reveal nitrates, arsenic, PFAS (“forever chemicals”), or bacteria, each of which requires a specific treatment method.
For homeowners with private wells, testing can reveal natural contaminants or microbial growth. For those on municipal water, it can identify contamination caused by aging pipes within your own home.
What steps should I take to protect my family’s water?
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Start with a professional water test.
Whether you use city water or a private well, a professional analysis will identify contaminants accurately. - Interpret your results carefully.
Look for both the levels detected and the health-based limits for each contaminant. - Select a certified filtration system.
Choose one that meets NSF/ANSI Standard 53 or 58 for lead removal. - Maintain your filter.
Replace filters on schedule and follow all manufacturer recommendations. - Retest after installation.
Confirm that the filter is working as intended. - Test your water annually.
Regular testing ensures your filtration system continues to provide safe, clean water year after year.
Who can provide professional water testing?
ETR Laboratories has helped thousands of homeowners, well owners, and businesses achieve peace of mind about their water quality. Their Premium Water Test provides a detailed analysis for over 100 contaminants, including:
- Lead
- Arsenic
- Uranium
- Nitrate
- Bacteria
- Radon
- Chlorine
- Industrial chemicals
Results are delivered quickly—often within just a few days—so you can take action without delay. Knowing exactly what’s in your water is the key to choosing the right filtration and protecting your family’s health.
How can I get started?
Contact ETR Laboratories to purchase the Premium Water Test and learn exactly what substances need to be removed to give your family healthy water. Your test results can be in your hands in just days. Order today! From there, you can select the appropriate NSF-certified filter and take the next step toward providing safe, healthy water for your entire household. Order today!
