Lead is a toxic heavy metal that has been used to build pipes for a very long time. Many countries banned the use of lead in drinking water pipes and domestic plumbing. However, the element may still find its way to your drinking water, particularly if the pipes were installed before the 1970s. Tap fittings and old connecting pieces can also lead to lead contamination. In this guide, we will look at how you should handle lead in drinking water.

Test for Lead and Other Contaminants

Given how dangerous lead is, you have to ensure that your water is free of this contaminant. You should start by testing the water for these pollutants. With a water testing kit from IVARIO, you will be able to detect the presence of lead, asbestos, and other heavy metals. The testing kit contains instructions on how you should collect samples, and you will then send them to the company’s laboratory in Germany.

There are several types of water kits you can use. The basic one will simply give you an overview of the condition of your pipes. The Plus water test kit can detect 32 potential contaminants and is recommended for people with allergies or chronic illnesses. Companies and facilities that provide drinking water can use the Premium water test kit.

What to do if Your Water Contains Lead

Water doesn’t naturally contain lead, so you should first figure out the source of the heavy metal. Inspect the pipes under your kitchen sink and the header pipes. If they are metallic and black, they could be made of lead. To make sure they are lead pipes, you can scratch them using a metal object. If this leaves a white line, then you can be certain that this is the source of the contaminant. With this information, you have to get an expert to replace the pipes.

Use a Water Filter

You should also install a water filtration system. This can be installed directly at the sink. You should note that there are many different types of water filters. One of these is the reverse osmosis filter, which can remove 94% to 97% of lead from water. You can add an active carbon filter cartridge to get 100% pure water. Here are other types of water filters you can use to get rid of lead in your water:

• Filter pitchers
• Faucet mount units
• Whole house filters
• Shower head filters
• Under counter purifiers

It is important to note that boiling water doesn’t get rid of lead. On the contrary, it concentrates the amount of lead in the water. After filtering the water, you can boil it to eliminate other contaminants.

Conclusion

Lead is a dangerous metal that can lead to serious illnesses. It mostly seeps into the water from lead pipes. If you suspect that your water contains this element, you should use a water testing kit to determine the levels of the heavy metal. You can then install a water filtration system to remove lead from the water.