Lead Pipes: Where Are They and How to Get Safe Water

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Even though lead pipes have been against the law for new homes and city water systems since 1986, millions of them are still in use. You often find them in older cities and houses. Some states have a lot more lead pipes than others, which makes people worry about their drinking water.

In this article, we will look at:

• Where lead pipes are most common
• What is being done to take them out
• How ClrWtrCo can help keep your home’s water safe

The government says that less lead gets into our drinking water now, but even a tiny bit is still bad for you. There is no safe amount of lead, especially for kids. That's why it's very important to know how lead gets into your water and what to do about it.

What Are Lead Pipes?

Lead service lines are pipes buried underground. They connect the city's main water pipes to your house. Most of these pipes were put in between the late 1800s and the middle of the 1900s. The 1986 law stopped new lead pipes, but it didn't make people take out the old ones. So, those old pipes are still used today all over the country.

Why Is Lead So Bad for You?

Lead builds up in your body over time. Any amount can cause serious health problems that can't be fixed. For children, lead poisoning can lead to:

• Trouble learning and growing
• Problems with behavior
• Damage to their brain and nerves

Adults can also get sick from lead. They might have:

• High blood pressure
• Memory problems
• Joint and muscle pain
• Trouble focusing

Where Are Most Lead Pipes Found?

A long time ago, many cities used lead pipes. Over 70% of big cities in the U.S. had lead pipes by 1900. This was because lead lasted longer than other pipes, even though people already knew it could cause health problems.

Today, there are about 9.2 million lead service lines that bring water to homes, schools, and other public places. These pipes are usually in homes and water systems built before the 1986 ban. Since the average U.S. home is over 40 years old, this is a big problem for many families.

Why It's Hard to Know Exactly How Many

It's tough for water companies to know exactly how many lead pipes are in an area. This is because of:

• Old records: Sometimes the old papers are hard to read or have mistakes.
• Unknown pipes: Some pipes have no record of what they're made of. If they don't know, they have to assume it's lead just to be safe. This means more testing, or even digging to find out what the pipe is made of.

What's Being Done About Lead Pipes?

The good news is that both the government and many states are working to replace lead pipes.

New Rules and Money for Fixing Pipes

By October 2024, the government made a new rule: all lead service lines must be completely removed within the next 10 years. This means by 2034, lead pipes should be a thing of the past!

A law passed in 2021 set aside $50 billion to help improve water systems. A big part of that money – $15 billion – is just for finding and replacing lead pipes. This money helps states pay for:

• Finding lead pipes
• Planning how to replace them
• Actually replacing them

States get money each year until 2026. For 2024, three states got a lot of money to help:

• Illinois: $241 million
• Florida: $229 million
• Ohio: $184 million

Other states also received funds to help with replacements.

States Taking Action Early

Many states already have their own programs to replace lead pipes.

• Illinois: In 2021, Illinois made a law that says lead pipes must be fully replaced, not just partly replaced, during repairs.
• Michigan: Michigan was the first state to make a law about removing lead pipes in 2018. It says that starting in 2021, city water systems must replace at least 5% of their lead pipes each year. All replacements must be done within 20 years.

How to Protect Your Home from Lead in Water

Lead in drinking water is a serious worry, especially for kids and families in areas with many lead pipes. Even a little bit of lead over time can add up and cause big problems.

Is Your Home at Risk?

If your home was built before 1988, there's a higher chance it might have lead plumbing. Not sure what your pipes are made of? Here's how to check:

1. Look at your pipes: Find the pipe near your water meter.

2. What does lead look like? Lead pipes are silver-gray.

3. Test if it's soft: Lead is soft. You can carefully scratch it with a key. If it scratches easily, it might be lead.

4. Is it magnetic? Lead is not magnetic.

You can also ask your local water company about free water testing kits. For a more complete check, ClrWtrCo offers professional water testing and water filtration solutions made just for your home.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lead in Water

Is Any Amount of Lead in Water Safe?

No. Experts say that no amount of lead is safe to drink. Lead can build up in your body over time, which makes it even more dangerous if you drink it for a long time.

What Should I Do If I Have Lead Pipes?

First, call your local water company. Some towns and cities have programs to help homeowners replace lead pipes. You can also run your water for a few minutes each morning to flush out any lead that might have built up overnight.

It's also smart to think about a whole-home water filtration system from ClrWtrCo. This can help stop lead and other bad stuff from getting into your drinking water in the first place.

Can Water Filters Remove Lead?

Yes! Some types of home water filters, like reverse osmosis systems, are very good at taking lead out of water. If you use a pitcher filter, make sure it says on the label that it can filter lead and how much it removes. ClrWtrCo can help you find the best water filtration system for your home to keep your family safe.

Who Pays for Lead Pipe Replacement?

It depends. Some cities and states offer money to help pay for all or part of the cost through local or government programs. You should check with your water company to see if you can get help. But remember, taking care of the pipes on your property is usually your job.

When Will All Lead Pipes Be Gone?

By the year 2034, all lead drinking water pipes in the United States should be removed, thanks to new rules from the government.

Ready to find out about your water quality? Contact ClrWtrCo today for your FREE home water system estimate and professional water testing!