Reducing Exposure to Lead in Drinking Water:
Everyone Has a Role
Important information about lead
Lead can cause serious health problems if too much enters your body from drinking water or other
sources. It can cause damage to the brain and kidneys, and can interfere with the production of red blood
cells that carry oxygen to all parts of your body. The greatest risk of lead exposure is to infants, young
children, and pregnant women. Scientists have linked the effects of lead on the brain with lowered IQ in
children. Adults with kidney problems and high blood pressure can be affected by low levels of lead more
than healthy adults. Lead is stored in the bones, and it can be released later in life. During pregnancy,
the child receives lead from the mother's bones, which may affect brain development.
Here's how these organizations work to reduce
your exposure to lead in drinking water:
Washington Aqueduct
• Very low lead levels in source and
treated water (often, no lead is
detected in source or treated water)
• Corrosion control treatment
(maintains constant pH - a
measure of acidity - and adds
orthophosphate)
• Monitors to ensure water is
minimally corrosive as it leaves the
treatment plants
• Reports results to EPA
D.C. Water and Sewer Authority
• Monitors at locations most likely
to have lead problems to
determine effectiveness of the
corrosion control treatment
• Replaces public lead service
lines when homeowners replace
private lines, or in conjunction with
road or water system repairs
• Participates in national research
studies
• Reports results to EPA
Here are steps you can take to further
reduce your exposure to lead in drinking
water:
• Before using water for drinking or cooking - especially if the water
has been sitting unused for several hours - let the water run from
your tap until it is as cold as it will get. This may take up to 2
minutes.
• Use only cold water for drinking and cooking
• Heat cold water on the stove or in the microwave for preparing
infant formula
• Periodically, remove and clean the strainer/aerator device on your
faucets
• Purchase faucets and other plumbing fixtures/fittings with the
lowest lead content possible that are certified by an independent
testing agency, such as NSF International
• Replace leaded pipes and plumbing (including private portions of
lead service lines)
What is EPA's role?
EPA:
...reviews treatment processes,
monitoring plans, and results to
determine effectiveness of corrosion
control
...develops regulations and guidance
...performs and funds corrosion
research
...maintains a website on lead in DC
drinking water (www.epa.gov/dclead)
...provides technical assistance to
Washington Aqueduct, DCWASA,
and other District agencies
...reviews outreach and publications
from DC water systems, as
requested
If you have specific
concerns:
• Request water sampling kits
from a certified laboratory to
measure lead-in-water levels
• Talk with your health care
provider about blood lead
testing and other health
questions
More information is
available at:
www.epa.gov/dclead
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EPA Region 3
Citizen Hotline/Help Desk:
(215)814-5000
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