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Lead in Drinking Water

THE GREATEST RISK OF LEAD POISONING COMES FROM OLD PAINT, BUT DRINKING WATER CAN ALSO POSE A HAZARD.  LEARN HOW TO MINIMIZE THE DANGER ON TODAY’S ENVIRONMINUTE.

EVEN IF WATER IS SAFE WHEN IT LEAVES YOUR UTILITY, IT MAY PASS THROUGH LEAD SERVICE LINES OR OLD PLUMBING IN YOUR HOME.   THE PROBLEM ARISES WHEN WATER SITS IN THESE PIPES. SINCE IT’S NATURALLY CORROSIVE, THE WATER WILL PICK UP SMALL AMOUNTS OF LEAD OVER TIME.

SO WHAT CAN A CONSUMER DO?  IT’S EASY TO HAVE YOUR WATER TESTED, BUT THEN WHAT?  IF YOU FIND A LEAD PROBLEM, THE BEST SOLUTION IS TO REMOVE THE SOURCE.  BUT IF THAT’S NOT POSSIBLE, TRY FLUSHING YOUR PIPES BEFORE DRINKING - THAT MEANS LETTING THE TAP RUN BEFORE FILLING UP YOUR GLASS.  AND ALWAYS USE COLD WATER FOR COOKING – THE HOT DISSOLVES LEAD MORE EASILY.

IT’S SIMPLE ADVICE THAT WILL HAVE YOU RAISING YOUR GLASS TO SAFER DRINKING WATER!

THE ENVIRONMINUTE IS MADE POSSIBLE BY THE HEINZ FAMILY PHILANTHROPIES AND THE HEINZ ENDOWMENTS.  LEARN MORE BY VISITING ENVIRONMINUTE-DOT-COM. 

Read more from the CDC about lead in drinking water.

Read more from the EPA.