Lead in Well Water

Lead is a toxic metal that can build up in the body over time. Children are especially vulnerable because lead exposure can affect brain development and learning.

The CDC states that no safe blood lead level has been identified for children. (CDC)

Because of this, the EPA Maximum Contaminant Level Goal for lead in drinking water is zero. The practical reality for well owners: you cannot see or taste lead in water. Testing is the only way to know if it is present.

In most private well situations, lead does not come from the aquifer. It comes from your home's plumbing.

Common Sources

• Lead solder: Used to join copper pipes in homes built before 1986
• Brass fixtures: Faucets and valves can contain lead, especially older ones
• Lead pipes: Less common, but possible in very old homes
• Faucet aerators: Lead particles can accumulate in the screen

This is why lead is called a "point-of-use" problem. Your well water can be lead-free, but lead enters as it sits in contact with plumbing materials. (EPA)

Why Stagnation Matters

The longer water sits in pipes, the more time it has to dissolve lead from plumbing materials. That is why first-morning samples often show the highest lead levels.

Corrosive Water Increases Risk

Water that is acidic or corrosive dissolves more lead from pipes and fixtures. CDC guidance notes that corrosive well water can increase lead leaching. (CDC)

Consider testing for lead if:

• Your home was built before 1986 (when lead solder was banned)
• You have older brass fixtures or do not know when plumbing was installed
• Children, infants, or pregnant women live in the home
• You are preparing formula with tap water
• Your water is corrosive (low pH)
• You are buying a home with a private well

Lead testing is often done as part of an initial well assessment, then repeated if you change fixtures or plumbing.

Because lead comes from plumbing, how you sample matters as much as where you sample.

First-Draw Sampling

Collect water that has been sitting in pipes for at least 6 hours. This captures the worst-case lead level. The EPA recommends this approach for lead testing. (EPA)

Where to Sample

• Test the kitchen cold water tap used for drinking and cooking
• Test any tap used for infant formula
• In older homes, consider testing multiple taps

First-Draw vs Flushed Samples

If you want to identify where lead is coming from, collect two samples: (EPA)

1. First-draw: Catches lead from the fixture and nearby plumbing
2. Flushed (after 30 seconds): Catches lead from upstream plumbing

If lead drops after flushing, the source is likely close to the tap. If it stays high, the problem may be deeper in your plumbing.

Cost and Turnaround

A lead test typically costs $25 to $50. Results usually come back within 1 to 2 weeks.

Key Numbers to Know

• EPA goal: 0 ppb (there is no safe level for children)
• EPA action level: 15 ppb (regulatory trigger for public systems)

For private wells, 15 ppb is not a "safe" threshold. It is a regulatory reference. Many families choose to reduce exposure at any detectable level, especially with children present. (CDC)

What Your Number Means

• Not detected or below 5 ppb: Low concern. Consider retesting if household changes.
• 5 to 15 ppb: Worth addressing, especially with children. Use exposure reduction steps.
• Above 15 ppb: Take action to reduce exposure and identify the source.

Immediate Steps

• Use cold water only for drinking and cooking. Hot water dissolves more lead.
• Flush pipes by running water for 1 to 2 minutes before using for drinking, especially in the morning. (EPA)
• Clean aerators regularly. Lead particles can collect in the screen. (EPA)
• Use a certified filter for lead if needed. Make sure it is NSF-certified for lead removal.

Important: Boiling does not remove lead. It can actually increase concentration. (EPA)

Long-Term Fixes

Depending on where the lead is coming from:

• Replace fixtures: If the source is a specific faucet, replacing it may solve the problem
• Replace plumbing: For older homes with lead solder or pipes, replumbing may be needed
• Address corrosivity: If your water is acidic, treatment to raise pH can reduce lead leaching

Confirm the Fix

After making changes, retest using the same protocol to verify lead levels have dropped.

When Buying Fixtures

Look for products certified as "lead-free" under current federal standards. "Lead-free" means 0.25% lead or less on wetted surfaces. (EPA)

Make Flushing a Habit

Run the cold water tap briefly before drinking, especially first thing in the morning or after long periods away.

Clean Aerators Regularly

Remove and clean faucet screens periodically to prevent lead particle buildup.

Retest After Changes

Any time you replace plumbing or fixtures, retest to confirm lead levels have improved.

Use a certified lab that can provide proper sample bottles and instructions for lead testing. If you have young children, mention this when contacting the lab.

Find well water testing providers in your state using our directory.