Lead Warning Letters Explained
The EPA’s new Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), passed in October 2024, requires public water systems to inventory their service lines to identify those made of lead, galvanized steel, or with unknown materials.
As part of this rule, customers whose homes are downstream from these service lines must be notified. Because of this many people received a Lead Warning Letter. If you receive one of these letters, it indicates that you live in an area where these pipes are scheduled for replacement.
Is Your Water Safe If You Got a Lead Pipe Notification?
Receiving a letter about lead pipes doesn’t necessarily mean your water is contaminated with lead. However, it does mean there is a potential risk.
The only way to know for sure is to test your water for lead. Some locations are offering free lead testing if you are in an affected area. Contact your health department to learn about available options for free or low-cost laboratory testing.
If free testing isn’t available in your area, consider using the Safe Home In-Lab Lead Test Kit. This kit includes two bottles, allowing you to test both a first draw (water sitting in the pipes) and a flush draw (fresh water). Alternatively, you can test water from two separate locations on your property.
The kit also includes free return shipping to our EPA-certified laboratory, ensuring accurate and reliable results.
Other Sources of Lead in Drinking Water.
The EPA’s LCRI is an important step in removing lead from the public water system, but it won’t remove lead pipes from private property. In your home there may be several potential sources of lead in your drinking water.
Common sources of lead in homes include galvanized pipes, lead-based solder, and older faucets or fixtures. Homes built before 1986 are especially at risk. Even if you haven’t received a letter about lead in your public service lines, it’s still a good idea to test your water, particularly if your home is older.
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