FACTS ABOUT LEAD IN DRINKING WATER

The presence of lead in drinking water is more prevalent and serious than many people realize. Despite common perceptions, lead is not restricted to inner-city communities, but rather it is a problme that affects many water systems across the country. Drinking water comes from one of two sources: surface water, which is rainwater and melted snow that collects in streams, lakes, and reservoirs; and groundwater, which is pumped from wells in bedrock and soil. Water is virtually lead-free as it leaves these sources and is processed through the municipal water treatment platn. It is during its journey from the water-treatment facility to your tap that lead can leach in the water. Even if the water pipes are lead-free, the connectors, service lines and pipes within your home or building are likely to contain some lead, either in the pipe itself, or in the solder used to connect copper pipes. Water chemistry helps to increase the presence of lead. Lead is more likely to leach into water that is acidic, and has a low mineral content, and is likely to dissolve in hard water.

Infants and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to unsafe lead levels. The EPA estimates that one in 6 North American children under the age of 6 has elevated lead levels in their blood. Lead can impair a child's mental and physical development, reduce a baby's birth weight and cause premature birth. Prolonged exposure to increased lead levels have been linked to high blood pressure and damaged hearing.

Heavy Metals of cadmium, mercury and lead can cause nerve damage, mental retardation, birth defects and cancer. Lead cannot be seen, tested or smelt in drinking water. The best way to determine if it is present is to have your water tested.