Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Lead in Drinking Water? What you should know.

NEW! - Updated Lead and Copper Rule Released 10/8/24 by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency!

NO Lead is Safe.

 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has set the health goal for lead in drinking water at zero because of the harmful impacts to health from exposure to this toxic metal at low levels. Lead exposure can build up or bioaccumulate in the body over time.

Based on this guidance that there is no safe level of lead in drinking water, Freshwater Future recommends that all homes in communities that are not in compliance with the Lead and Copper Rule use filters and water flushing techniques.

It is important for everyone residing in cities with elevated lead levels to understand the importance of using filters and have a knowledge of their proper maintenance and use.

If you’re concerned that your drinking water may contain lead, click to learn more about what you can do to help protect you and your family.

View and download our factsheets and social media outreach materials on how to stay safe from lead.

Additional Resource Information

For more information on lead impacts to your health, visit the EPA's online portal for ground water and drinking water resources.

What you need to know about replacement pipe materials.

Michigan Lead and Copper Rule Handbook: Empowering Resident Watchdogs to Conduct Investigations of Their Water Systems.

The Right Filter Used Properly and Maintained Can Reduce Lead

To Learn more about proper in-home flushing steps watch our videos.

English Version

Spanish Version

Flint Community LaB

The Flint Community Lab — the first community-based laboratory of its kind in the world — provides Flint residents with a trusted resource for free water testing of lead and other pollutants. Through generous financial support from both philanthropic and private funders, the Flint Community Lab unifies residents around a common issue: the safety of water in their homes.

How to get your water tested for lead

Illinois

Illinois Certified Labs (last updated in 2019)

Well Water Testing: Contact the Local Health Department

Chicago Residents: Water Test Kit

Indiana

IN Dept of Health Submission Forms & Containers – Health: Laboratories