Contaminant guide
Lead
Lead usually enters drinking water from old pipes, solder, or fixtures—not from the source water itself. Even low levels matter for kids and pregnant people.
Health context
Lead can harm brain development in children and cause cardiovascular and kidney issues in adults. There is no known safe blood lead level for children.
EPA standard notes
EPA uses a Lead Action Level of 15 ppb (0.015 mg/L) at the 90th percentile of tap samples under the Lead and Copper Rule—not a traditional MCL for every tap.
Standards and rules change—confirm on epa.gov/sdwa.
What you can do
- Flush taps after water sits unused, especially first thing in the morning.
- Use cold water for drinking and cooking; hot water can leach more lead.
- Consider an NSF/ANSI 53 certified filter for lead if your utility reports action-level issues or your home has older plumbing.
- Ask your utility about lead service line inventories and replacement plans.
FAQ
Is a filter required?
Not automatically. Many systems meet standards without point-of-use filters. Filters can be useful for taste, specific contaminants, or home plumbing issues—match certifications to the problem.
Where should I verify numbers?
Your utility’s Consumer Confidence Report, public notices, TCEQ resources, and EPA ECHO/SDWIS records.