Lead in Drinking Water
Finding it
The problem of lead in drinking water has recently received a lot of attention due to the tragedy in Flint, Michigan. In New Hampshire, the most significant source of poisoning is lead-based paint. To rule out the possibility of exposure in your drinking water, test your home’s drinking water for the presence of lead. Doing so is easy with lead test kits that can be purchased from local hardware and home improvement stores.
You can find more information about testing your water for lead by calling New Hampshire’s Drinking Water and Groundwater Bureau: 1-603-271-1516
(Sample Test Kit)
Preventing Lead Exposure
While you are waiting for your test results, or anytime you suspect you may have lead in your drinking water, it is recommended that you do the following:
- “Flush” the tap by running cold water for one minute before using. This clears out water that has been sitting in the pipes.
- Use only cold water for cooking and drinking. If you need hot water, start with cold water from a flushed tap and then heat it on the stove or in the microwave.
- For babies and toddlers, use bottled water to prepare formula and baby food.
If tests confirm there is lead in your drinking water, replacing lead service lines or plumbing fixtures is the optimal solution. Where that is not possible, home water treatment systems can be a viable solution. Find out more by consulting the NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) and see their guide to make sure any system you purchase is certified under NSF standards.
