
Lead is persistent, and it can bioaccumulate in the body over time. EPA has set the maximum contaminant level goal for lead in drinking water at zero because lead is a toxic metal that can be harmful to human health even at low exposure levels. These non-enforceable health goals, based solely on possible health risks, are called maximum contaminant level goals (MCLGs). The Safe Drinking Water Act requires EPA to determine the level of contaminants in drinking water at which no adverse health effects are likely to occur with an adequate margin of safety. Is there a safe level of lead in drinking water? Rather, it is intended to let you know about the most significant and probable health effects associated with lead in drinking water. *The health effects information on this page is not intended to catalog all possible health effects for lead. Health Effects of Exposures to Lead in Drinking Water* Learn more about EPA's regulations to prevent lead in drinking water. Corrosion control treatment means utilities must make drinking water less corrosive to the materials it comes into contact with on its way to consumers' taps. One requirement of the LCR is corrosion control treatment to prevent lead and copper from contaminating drinking water. To address corrosion of lead and copper into drinking water, EPA issued the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) under the authority of the SDWA.
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Lead pipes are more likely to be found in older cities and homes built before 1986. In homes with lead pipes that connect the home to the water main, also known as lead services lines, these pipes are typically the most significant source of lead in the water.


Lead can enter drinking water when plumbing materials that contain lead corrode, especially where the water has high acidity or low mineral content that corrodes pipes and fixtures. The most common sources of lead in drinking water are lead pipes, faucets, and fixtures. General Information about Lead in Drinking Water How Lead Gets into Drinking Water How EPA requires states and public water systems to protect drinking water.EPA's drinking water regulations for lead.
