What can I do to reduce the lead in my water?
First, let it run. Don't drink or cook with water that has collected in your plumbing for more than six hours-overnight, for example, or while you are at work. You can clear the water out of your pipes by letting it run from a cold water faucet for three to five minutes. Run the water before you take drinking water from any faucet in the house.

Second, don't use hot water directly from the faucet for cooking or drinking because hot water dissolves lead more quickly than cold water. It is especially important not to use hot tap water for making baby formula.

Find more on lead and household water.

Show All Answers

1. How does lead get into household water?
2. What can I do to reduce the lead in my water?
3. How do I find out if my water service connection is lead?
4. If my pipes are lead, do I have to replace them?
5. Will you replace the lead pipe if I have a lead service connection?