Lead contamination in drinking water is a serious public health concern. Lead can leach into the water from old pipes and plumbing fixtures, and even tiny amounts of lead can cause severe health problems, especially for young children.
By understanding the dangers of lead contamination and taking proactive steps, such as investing in systems that filter out lead, you can help to protect yourself and your family from this serious risk. This article will discuss the risks associated with lead-contaminated drinking water as well as some tips on how to identify potential sources of contamination and reduce your risk of exposure.
The Truth About School Water
Schools across the state of Georgia have been offered the opportunity to test their water for lead contamination, but only a fraction of them have signed up due to concerns over the cost and consequences of discovering lead.
Advocates are pushing for the state government to provide funding and resources to schools in order to address any lead contamination they may find. Results from schools that have tested so far show that 30 out of 82 (37%) found at least one tap with lead levels in excess of 15 parts per billion, which is considered “action level” or when schools would be required to address this contamination.
Essentially, it’s quite likely that many schools have lead contamination and are putting students at risk since there is no mandatory testing for lead in water at schools.
Why Is Lead So Dangerous?
Lead contamination of drinking water can have serious health consequences for those exposed to it, particularly children and pregnant women.
Exposure to lead in drinking water can occur when lead leaches into the water supply from plumbing materials such as pipes, solder, fixtures, and fittings. Lead is most likely to leach into the water supply when the pH of the water is low or when there are high levels of chlorine or other disinfectants present. Lead can also enter drinking water through corrosion control chemicals used to treat the water supply.
The health effects of lead exposure may vary depending on the age and duration of exposure. In children, even low levels of lead exposure can cause learning disabilities, behavioral problems, hearing loss, slowed growth and development and decreased IQ scores. In adults, lead exposure has been linked to an increased risk of hypertension and kidney damage. Pregnant women who are exposed to lead may experience premature births or miscarriages.
It is important to take steps to reduce your family’s risk of exposure to lead in drinking water by testing your home’s tap water for lead levels regularly and taking action if necessary. If the lead level in the tap water exceeds 15 ppb, you should contact your local public health department or EPA-certified laboratory for assistance with identifying potential sources of contamination.
How Do I Remove Lead In My Water?
If lead is presented in your water, you should get a water filtration system to deal with it. While there are tons of filtering systems out there, it’s important to make sure that the one you choose is for reducing lead levels in your water.
iSpring makes systems that you can use to make your water safer and healthier to drink. If you get an iSpring system, it will help keep lead out of your water, so you and your family are safe.