How does lead get into drinking water?

Lead is uncommonly found naturally in source water. More commonly, lead leaches into water over time through corrosion-a dissolving or wearing away of metal caused by a chemical reaction between water and your plumbing. Lead can leach into water from pipes, solder, fixtures, faucets (brass) and fittings. Lead service lines and pipes have not been found to be used in construction in the District, so sources of lead in our drinking water are primarily limited to solder and fixtures. The amount of lead in your water depends on the types and amounts of minerals in the water, how long the water stays in the pipes, the water’s corrosivity, and water temperature.

Show All Answers

1. What is lead?
2. How can I be exposed to lead?
3. What are the risks of lead exposure?
4. How does lead get into drinking water?
5. How will I know if my drinking water has lead in it?
6. How can I find out if my home may have lead in its plumbing?
7. How can I reduce my exposure to lead in my drinking water?
8. Should I test my children for exposure to lead?
9. What is the State doing to protect children from elevated lead in drinking water?
10. What are the District’s most recent lead monitoring results?