Lead Information

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a revised lead and copper rule in January 2021 to protect consumers from lead exposure in drinking water.

A Brief History of Lead Use in Plumbing

Before 1942, most cities and counties in California had plumbing codes (or similarly named plumbing standards) precluding the use of lead as a plumbing material. These plumbing codes did not ban the use of lead as a plumbing material, but they had a schedule of approved materials and lead was not listed as an approved material for pipes (it was approved for caulking, bends, and traps). During the late 1930s and early 1940s, many California plumbing authorities began adopting the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), which allowed the use of lead for water supply pipes. However, only pipes with an internal diameter of 2 inches or less were allowed for lead pipes. In the 1950s, the UPC was revised several times with minor substantive changes regarding the allowance of lead use. Table A in the UPC listed “lead pipe and traps” in 1952 and was later revised to be “lead pipe bends and traps” in 1955. Then, in 1988, lead was no longer listed as an approved material for water pipes and fittings.

Precautions for Homes Built Before 1986

If you are unsure about lead levels in your water, or if your home was constructed before 1986, particularly if it was built in the 1940s, you can take the following precautions:

• Flush your tap. Run cold water for 15-30 seconds or until it reaches a steady temperature before using it for drinking or cooking. If lead is present, it will be highest when the water has been sitting in contact with the fixture for a long time. Flushing pushes potential lead-containing water from the pipes and brings in fresh water from the water main.
  Note: Capture that water to irrigate your plants, so you don’t waste it.
• Use cold water for cooking. Lead dissolves more easily into hot water, so use cold water for cooking or to make baby formula. Boiling water does not remove lead.
• Filter the water. You may want to consider purchasing a water filter if lead is present in the water. Read the package to be sure the filter is certified to reduce lead or contact NSF International at 800-673-8010 or www.nsf.org for information on performance standards for water filters.
• Test your water for lead. Make sure the lab you use is certified by the state to perform the analysis.
• Determine whether your plumbing fixtures (faucets) contain lead. Older faucets are more likely to be a problem compared to new ones. Since 2010, California law prohibits the sale of faucets that are not lead free. The definition of lead free has become more stringent over the years and new faucets manufactured since 2014 leach very little lead into water. If you have an old faucet, particularly one made with brass components before 1986, you should consider testing your water for lead.