The first step in keeping lead out of your tap water is knowing what your home's plumbing is made of. If any pipes, fittings or fixtures in your home contain lead, these habits can help lower the amount that reaches you and your family:
- Flush your pipes. Water that sits still in household plumbing for several hours can pick up lead. Before you drink or cook with tap water, let the cold tap run for roughly five minutes. Everyday chores such as showering, running the dishwasher or washing a load of clothes are an easy way to clear the lines.
- Use cold water only. Boiling does not get rid of lead, and water from the hot tap can actually carry more of it. Start with cold water whenever you cook or mix baby formula.
- Clean faucet aerators. The small screen at the tip of each faucet can trap grit, debris and particles of lead. Unscrew and rinse it on a regular schedule so it stays clear.
- Use a certified filter. Some home filters are designed to remove lead. Choose one certified by NSF/ANSI or the Water Quality Association (WQA) under Standard 53 for lead reduction, install it as directed and replace cartridges on time.
Learn more about lead in drinking water.
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