Lead and tap water
Water contaminated with lead
Information
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) monitors drinking water in the United States. It requires water suppliers to produce annual water quality reports. These reports include information about lead amounts, and they are available to the public.
For more information, call the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791) and the National Lead Information Center (800-LEAD-FYI).
References
United States Environmental Protection Agency. Basic information about lead in drinking water. www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/basic-information-about-lead-drinking-water . Updated: March 17, 2016. Accessed: March 17, 2016.
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Lead testing - illustration
Lead is a natural element with thousands of uses. Because it is widespread (and often hidden) lead can easily contaminate food and water where it is undetectable to the eye or taste.
Lead testing
illustration
Review Date: 10/9/2015
Reviewed By: Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.