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Lead
Information About Lead Levels
What is the EPA standard for lead in drinking water?
The EPA has established an action level for lead in water of 15 parts per billion. When lead testing is performed as required by EPA, 90 percent of the samples must contain less than 15 parts per billion. This is usually referred to as the 90th percentile results being less than 15 parts per billion. The action level was not designed to measure health risks from water represented by individual samples. Rather, it is a statistical trigger value that if exceeded, may require more treatment, public education, and possibly service line replacement where lead lines exist.
Does the City of Falls Church have elevated levels of lead in its drinking water?
In light of concerns about the possibility of elevated lead levels associated with water supplied by the Washington Aqueduct, the City embarked on a lead testing program in advance of the next round of compliance sampling. This extra sampling included schools, daycares/preschools and residences. Of the 39 public and private schools that receive water from the City, two schools each had one fixture with lead levels greater than the EPA recommended limit. Findings for these fixtures were immediately provided to school officials for corrective action.
Out of more than 350 residences sampled, less than 2 percent had an initial first draw sample greater than the EPA Action Limit of 15ppb. During repeat sampling at the residences with first draw results greater than 15ppb, flush samples were also collected, all of which were below 15ppb.
How often is the water tested for lead?
Other than the current testing program, lead levels are normally tested for compliance purposes every three years for water systems that have never exceeded the EPA action level. The City's water has consistently been well within the action levels in all previous and current testing.
What is the source of lead in the water?
The primary source of lead in water is lead service lines. Falls Church City has no known lead service lines like those that have been reported in Washington, D.C. The service line is owned by the water supplier and consists of the line that connects the public water main in the street to the customer's meter, typically located near the curb or edge of the street. Other components that can contribute to lead in the water could be home water lines with solder joints containing more than 0.2 percent lead (legally banned in 1987) and some brass and bronze fixtures.
What can I do in my home to reduce my exposure to lead in the drinking water?
Elevated lead levels do not present a health concern for the majority of the population, although children younger than age six and pregnant women should avoid drinking water with elevated lead levels.
The EPA advises the following steps for anyone concerned about their water supply:
- Flush the faucet for 60-90 seconds if the home water supply has been idle for six hours or more.
- Cook only with cold water.
- If you choose to use a water filter, make sure it is designed for the specific filtration desired (e.g., chlorine, lead or cryptosporidium); make sure it is approved by the National Sanitation Foundation; and maintain the filter as directed.
How can I tell if my home has lead solder?
A plumber can help you determine if your home's plumbing contains lead solder or fixtures that may contain lead.
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