Lead In Drinking Water

lead in drinking water

While drinking water is not typically a significant source of lead exposure compared to lead-based paint, it can still pose serious health risks. Young children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable, even with short-term exposure. Infants are at the highest risk, especially if their diet consists primarily of liquids like baby formula prepared with contaminated water. Water with lead levels exceeding 15 parts per billion (ppb) should never be used to mix infant formula, as it can severely impact a child's development, leading to learning disabilities and stunted growth.

For adults, lead exposure primarily affects the peripheral nervous system, potentially causing hearing and vision impairments, as well as muscle coordination issues. Additionally, lead is toxic to the blood, kidneys, heart, and reproductive system, making it essential to address any concerns regarding lead in your drinking water.

Lead can enter your drinking water from various sources, including old buried lead service lines that connect your house to the water main, lead pipe connectors, lead-soldered joints in copper plumbing, and chrome-plated faucets made of brass, which typically contain 3 to 8 percent lead.

In homes with private wells, underwater pumps with brass fittings can also contribute to elevated lead levels, particularly when using new pumps or soft water. Lead contamination occurs when water comes into contact with these fixtures, allowing lead to leach into the water supply.

When water remains stagnant in lead pipes or plumbing systems containing lead for several hours or longer, the risk of lead dissolving into your drinking water increases. As a result, the first water drawn from the tap in the morning or after extended periods of non-use — such as returning home from work or school — may contain higher levels of lead.

If your home uses well water, I highly recommend having your water tested for lead.

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Buying a home is arguably the most important, exciting and nerve-wracking purchase a person will ever make. This is the reason you need a great home inspector, and Dave Valley is just that. He is empathetic – he understands and appreciates the various emotions a potential home-buyer goes through. Most importantly, Dave provides you with objective information so you can make the most informed decision possible.

It was a pleasure working with Dave – he contains all the qualities that make a great home inspector – he is the consummate professional, prompt, courteous, meticulous in his detail and honest. Dave was reasonably priced – in fact Dave charged me the same amount I spent 10 years earlier on a smaller house and provided a far better work product.

Prompt

I arrived at the house at the agreed upon time on a cold and nasty day, and found Dave outside inspecting the exterior of the home. He was already a half hour into his inspection – I think this exemplifies and is symbolic of the fact that Dave is respectful of his client’s time.

Courteous

Dave was pleasant to deal with, personable and thoughtful not only to his client but also to the buyer’s real estate agent.

Detail-oriented

Dave spent almost four hours in his investigation of a 2,000 square foot house. He answered all my questions and reviewed every observation he had with me. David provided a detailed report, and encouraged me to call and email him to discuss the report and to ask questions.

Conclusion

The highest compliment I can give Dave is to say that I would use him again and will encourage and recommend him to others.

Michael S. Giaimo