Perhaps that clear, sparkling, glass of water is not as clean as you thought. If you’re concerned that there may be lead in your drinking water, Benchmark Environmental Engineering can conduct a water quality test to treat your tap water. There’s lots of confusion about lead levels in drinking water. Learn how to stay safe and have your tap water tested.
Safe Levels Of Lead In Water
The safe level for lead in drinking water is 0%. There should be no lead in it at all. Lead is strictly banned because it can be toxic even in low doses, especially for infants and young children. Guidelines from the CDC suggest that a blood concentration level over five micrograms per liter (5 parts per billion) could be a sign of lead poisoning.
Getting To The Bottom Of Real Concerns
Though lead in drinking water has been a concern for decades, it’s been on everyone’s minds since the water crisis in Flint, Michigan. We want you to know more about the real risks and what you can do to keep your family healthy. Let us help you avoid water quality problems in your California home or business.
Common Questions
Most people who are concerned about lead in their water ask many questions. Here are a few of the most common.
- How does lead get into drinking water?
- How much is safe to drink?
- What are the symptoms of lead poisoning?
- How do I know if there’s too much lead in my water?
- How can I prevent lead poisoning?
Where Does The Lead In Drinking Water Come From?
Corrosion in the water distribution system is the primary way that lead gets into tap water. Issues with lead are more common in older homes (built before 1990) and well water systems that have metal plumbing.
Soft water (with fewer dissolved minerals), acidic water, and water with high levels of dissolved oxygen wear pipes down faster and increase the risk of lead contamination.
Lead Poisoning Symptoms
Lead poisoning doesn’t always come with symptoms. An unusual blood test may be the first sign of a problem. When there are symptoms, they mimic the flu: nausea, loss of appetite, cramps, trouble sleeping, fatigue, irritability, and constipation.
What You Can Do
First, contact your water utility to learn about the water coming into your home. If your water comes from a private well, contact your local health department to learn about the water quality in your area. This information can help you rule out any problems at the source.
Second, watch for consistent plumbing leaks, discolored water, and stained dishes or clothes. These are signs of corrosive water. While corrosive water doesn’t necessarily mean you have an issue with lead, it does make contamination more likely.
If you’re currently experiencing these problems, you should contact our experts as soon as possible.
Prevent Lead Poisoning
The best way to keep your water lead-free is to remove all lead from your plumbing. Consider replacing copper and lead pipes if your home or building has them. Also, consider replacing brass or chrome-plated brass plumbing fixtures, since they were likely fixed with lead solder. If you get your water from a well, regularly check the water pump for corroding parts.
How Much Lead Is In My Drinking Water?
The surest way to know how much lead is in your San Jose water is to perform drinking water testing at the tap. At Benchmark Environmental Engineering, we have the tools to perform these tests and the expertise to interpret the results. Contact us today to schedule your tap water testing service.