Lead in drinking water is a serious threat to public health. This toxic heavy metal can cause serious health problems, especially in children.

Sources of Lead in Tap Water

Lead can contaminate drinking water mainly because of old infrastructure. Homes built before the 1980s may still have lead pipes or fittings. Over time, these pipes can corrode, releasing lead into the water. Before 1986, lead solder was commonly used to join plumbing pipes, adding a further risk of contamination. In addition, water with a low pH or corrosive nature can dissolve lead from pipes and solder, introducing it into tap water.

Health Risks of Lead

When a person is exposed to lead for a long period of time, even in low doses, it presents serious health risks. The effects are particularly severe for children, but adults are not spared.

In children, exposure to lead can impair brain development in children causing:

• Delays in mental and physical development
• A drop in intelligence quotient (IQ)
• Reduced ability to concentrate and hyperactivity

In adults, lead can:

• Provoke high blood pressure.
• Damage the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter toxins from the blood.
• Provoke complications during pregnancy, with an impact on the health of the foetus.

How to Detect Lead in Tap Water

Since 25 December 2013, the quality limit for lead in drinking water has been lowered to 10 micrograms per litre (µg/L), following the recommendations of the World Health Organisation.

To find out if your water contains lead, you can:

• Use home test kits, available online or in shops.
• Ask your water supplier for detailed analyses.
• Test your water regularly if you live in a house built before the 1980s.

Berkey® Water Filters: An Effective Lead Solution

Replacing all the water pipes in a home can be costly. Berkey® water filters offer an affordable and effective solution for clean, safe drinking water by removing a wide range of contaminants, including lead. Black Berkey® filtration elements are certified to reduce lead to virtually undetectable levels. However, high concentrations of heavy metals can shorten filter life. For this reason, Berkey® offers PF-2™ complementary elements.

Black Berkey® Filters and PF-2™: Double Protection

PF-2™ filters, combined with Black Berkey® filters, enhance protection against heavy metals. Black Berkey® filters purify water by removing harmful contaminants. PF-2™ filters specialise in the reduction of heavy metals, including lead, mercury, aluminium, cadmium and fluoride, and should be added to Black Berkey® filters if the heavy metal or fluoride concentration in your water is significant.

Conclusion

Lead in tap water is a serious but invisible problem. To protect your health and that of your family, it is essential to identify the sources of contamination and adopt measures to eliminate lead from your tap water. Berkey® water filters, with PF-2™ elements, provide a reliable solution to ensure safe, lead-free water. For more information about Berkey® water filters and how they can improve the quality of your water, visit our website or contact our customer service team.