Why Test for Lead?
Private water users should test at least yearly for bacteria and other chemicals that may be of interest. Even if your water is safe, yearly testing will enable you to have a record of your water's prior history, so that if a change occurs, you will know. In addition, should anyone damage your water supply, you will have proof of your water quality prior to the damage.
Lead is a toxic heavy metal that can be found on earth's crust. Lead does not usually naturally occur in drinking water, but it can be present in household plumbing or water service lines and contaminate drinking water through corrosion of plumbing materials. Soft, acidic water is more likely to dissolve lead from solder or pipes than hard water. Houses built before 1986 have an increased risk of having lead fixtures. However, newer homes may be at risk as well. Legally defined "lead-free plumbing" can contain up to 8 percent lead.
Lead paint,especially peeling or flaking paint, can get into dust and soil in and around a home. Young children may then swallow the lead during normal hand-to-mouth activity. In addition, an unborn child may be exposed to lead in the mothers womb. High levels of lead in the fetus and in children age six and younger have been linked to nervous system damage, behavior and learning problems, and slow growth. Testing can tell you whether there is lead-base paint or a lead-base paint hazard in your home.
Lead is a toxic heavy metal that can be found on earth's crust. Lead does not usually naturally occur in drinking water, but it can be present in household plumbing or water service lines and contaminate drinking water through corrosion of plumbing materials. Soft, acidic water is more likely to dissolve lead from solder or pipes than hard water. Houses built before 1986 have an increased risk of having lead fixtures. However, newer homes may be at risk as well. Legally defined "lead-free plumbing" can contain up to 8 percent lead.
Lead paint,especially peeling or flaking paint, can get into dust and soil in and around a home. Young children may then swallow the lead during normal hand-to-mouth activity. In addition, an unborn child may be exposed to lead in the mothers womb. High levels of lead in the fetus and in children age six and younger have been linked to nervous system damage, behavior and learning problems, and slow growth. Testing can tell you whether there is lead-base paint or a lead-base paint hazard in your home.