Lead in Drinking Water

Lead in Drinking Water

Lead can enter drinking water when plumbing materials that contain lead corrode, especially where the water has high acidity or low mineral content that corrodes pipes and fixtures. The most common sources of lead in drinking water are lead pipes, faucets, and fixtures. Lead pipes are more likely to be found in older cities and in homes and in buildings built before 1986. Among homes and buildings built without lead service lines, the most common problem is with brass or chrome-plated brass faucets and plumbing with lead solder.

The presence of certain contaminants in drinking water can lead to health issues, including gastrointestinal illness, reproductive problems, and neurological disorders. Infants, young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and immunocompromised persons may be especially at risk for becoming ill after drinking contaminated water. Of particular concern, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children.

KES is specially trained to take water samples and test for lead and other contaminants including arsenic, radon, uranium, E.coli, Salmonella, Cryptosporidium species, fertilizers, pesticides and other contaminants.

If you live within the boroughs of New York City and suspect that you have lead in your drinking water, DO NOT pay to have your water tested for lead. The NYC Department of Environmental Protection offers free drinking water testing by calling 311 and requesting a test kit or by visiting https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-01403.

Similarly, if you live outside of the five boroughs of NYC and are a New York State resident and wish to have your drinking water tested for lead you may do so by visiting https://health.ny.gov/environmental/water/drinking/lead/free_lead_testing_pilot_program.htm