Lead in drinking water is one of those problems that most people assume has been solved—like dial-up internet or using paper maps. Unfortunately, it hasn’t. In fact, millions of homes across the U.S. and around the world are still exposed to unsafe levels of lead every time someone turns on the tap.
Lead is odorless, tasteless, and invisible. That makes it a silent invader—and the health consequences of long-term exposure are nothing short of alarming. While we’ve made progress in eliminating lead paint and gasoline, our aging water infrastructure still poses a significant risk.
Where Does Lead in Water Come From?
Lead isn’t usually found in the water source itself—whether it’s a reservoir, lake, or well. Instead, it enters the water through corroded pipes, solder, or plumbing fixtures that contain lead.
This is especially problematic in homes built before 1986, when the use of lead-based plumbing materials was common. Even in newer homes, lead can still enter the water if it passes through older municipal supply lines on the way to your faucet.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there is no safe level of lead in drinking water, especially for children. Even small amounts can be dangerous. (EPA Source)
How Lead Affects the Body
Lead isn’t usually found in the water source itself—whether it’s a reservoir, lake, or well. Instead, it enters the water through corroded pipes, solder, or plumbing fixtures that contain lead.
This is especially problematic in homes built before 1986, when the use of lead-based plumbing materials was common. Even in newer homes, lead can still enter the water if it passes through older municipal supply lines on the way to your faucet.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there is no safe level of lead in drinking water, especially for children. Even small amounts can be dangerous. (EPA Source)
How Lead Affects the Body
Unlike some contaminants that pass through the body quickly, lead accumulates in your bones, tissues, and organs over time. It is especially harmful to children and pregnant women, but no one is immune to its toxic effects.
Health Risks Include:
Neurological Damage – Lead interferes with brain development in children, leading to lower IQ, learning disabilities, behavioral issues, and attention disorders. In adults, it can cause cognitive decline and memory loss.
Cardiovascular Problems – The CDC reports a connection between lead exposure and high blood pressure and heart disease, especially in older adults. (CDC Source)
Kidney and Bone Damage – Long-term exposure affects kidney function and disrupts the balance of calcium in the body, weakening bones and increasing the risk of osteoporosis.
Pregnancy Complications – Lead exposure during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, premature birth, and developmental delays in infants.
How Common Is Lead in Drinking Water?
Unfortunately, lead contamination isn’t just a Flint, Michigan problem. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), up to 12 million U.S. homes are still connected to lead service lines.
In 2021, the NRDC published a report revealing that more than 186 million Americans received water from systems with detectable levels of lead, and many of those systems failed to meet EPA standards. (NRDC Report)
Municipal testing isn’t always accurate or transparent, and lead levels can spike during pipe replacements or changes in water chemistry—without homeowners ever knowing.
How to Know If Your Water Has Lead
You can’t see, smell, or taste lead—so testing is your only reliable option.
- Use an EPA-approved home test kit, or
- Send a sample to a certified lab for more accurate results.
- If your home was built before 1986, or if you live in an area with aging infrastructure, you should consider routine testing.
Can Boiling Water Remove Lead?
No. Boiling water does not remove lead. In fact, it can make it worse by concentrating the lead as water evaporates. The only effective solution is filtration or replacement of lead plumbing materials.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Health
If you suspect or confirm that your water has lead, here are steps you can take:
- Install a water filtration system that specifically targets heavy metals, including lead.
- Use cold water for cooking and drinking, as hot water increases corrosion and lead solubility.
- Flush your pipes by running the water for a few minutes each morning.
- Replace lead service lines if possible (municipalities may offer assistance).
- Filter all household water—especially if young children, pregnant women, or the elderly live in your home.
TipaTech: A Smart, Eco-Friendly Solution to Lead Contamination
While many filtration systems can remove lead, not all do it efficiently or sustainably. That’s where TipaTech stands out.
Advanced Filtration Media – TipaTech’s systems use a powerful multi-stage approach that reduces heavy metals like lead and arsenic, along with other contaminants such as chlorine, fluoride, and harmful gases.
Air Release Patent – Our patented gas-release technology removes dissolved gases that accelerate corrosion, helping protect your plumbing and prevent the very conditions that lead to lead contamination.
Zero-Waste Design – Unlike reverse osmosis systems that waste gallons of water, TipaTech’s filtration is efficient, eco-conscious, and perfect for daily use.
Compact + Powerful – The T-18 system delivers high-capacity filtration in a space-saving unit, making it ideal for homes, apartments, and even commercial spaces.
With TipaTech, you’re not just removing lead—you’re addressing the deeper issue of corrosion and contamination before it affects your health.
Final Takeaway
Lead in water is a real, invisible, and ongoing threat—especially in homes with aging infrastructure. Its effects on health are serious, long-lasting, and in many cases, irreversible.
The good news? You have control.
- Test your water
- Be informed about your plumbing
- Invest in reliable, proven filtration—like the solutions offered by TipaTech
Clean water should never be a gamble. With the right tools and technology, you can protect yourself and your family from one of the most dangerous—and preventable—health risks hiding in your tap.
