Lead in Well Water
Unlike arsenic and nitrate, lead rarely comes from the aquifer itself. It usually leaches from older plumbing, brass fittings, and solder — especially where the water is acidic (low pH) or soft.
Why it matters
There is no safe level of lead. It's especially harmful to children's brain development and to pregnant women. Because it comes from plumbing, lead can be present even when the aquifer is clean — which is why testing at your own tap matters.
The EPA action level
The EPA action level for lead is 15 µg/L. For private wells, test first-draw water (sitting in the pipes overnight). If your water is acidic, a pH/corrosion problem may be the real culprit and worth correcting at the source.
How to remove lead
Lead is one contaminant where an affordable step works: an NSF/ANSI 53 certified pitcher or under-sink filter reduces it effectively. Reverse osmosis removes it too, along with arsenic, nitrate and more, if you want one system for everything.
Treating lead in your area
Lead is reduced by NSF-53 certified filters — an affordable first step — with reverse osmosis as the thorough upgrade.
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