Lead – Freshwater Future

Lead in your drinking water? Here's what you should know.

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.

How to Get Started

Looking for more up-to-date information and news? Sign up to receive updates on lead in drinking water and take action on lead issues.

Did you get a letter from your water utility informing you that your water service line contains lead or galvanized material, or that the material of the pipe is unknown?

How to Test Your Water for Lead

Illinois

Illinois Certified Labs

Well Water Testing: Contact the Local Health Department

Chicago Residents: Water Test Kit

Indiana

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

Find a Certified Drinking Water Laboratory

Michigan

Michigan EGLE Drinking Water Testing Guide

Contact your local health department

Minnesota

MN Dept of Health – Accredited Labs

Well Water Testing

New York

NY Dept of Health – Accredited Environmental Labs

Ohio

Ohio EPA Certified Labs

Pennsylvania

PA Dept of Environmental Protection – Accredited Labs

Wisconsin

WI Dept of Natural Resources – Accredited Labs

Additional Resources

Are your lead water lines being replaced? Check out our Principles for Equitable Lead Service Line Replacements, a set of shared principles developed with hundreds of individuals and organizations who are working to protect their communities from the dangers of lead in drinking water.

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

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