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Other Sources of Lead <br />13 <br />Lead in Drinking Water <br />The most common sources of lead in drinking water are lead pipes, <br />faucets, and fixtures. <br />Lead pipes are more likely to be found in older cities and homes built <br />before 1986. <br />You can’t smell or taste lead in drinking water. <br />To find out for certain if you have lead in drinking water, have your <br />water tested. <br />Remember older homes with a private well can also have plumbing <br />materials that contain lead. <br />Important Steps You Can Take to Reduce Lead in Drinking Water <br />• Use only cold water for drinking, cooking and making baby formula. <br />Remember, boiling water does not remove lead from water. <br />• Before drinking, flush your home’s pipes by running the tap, taking a <br />shower, doing laundry, or doing a load of dishes. <br />• Regularly clean your faucet’s screen (also known as an aerator). <br />• If you use a filter certified to remove lead, don’t forget to read the <br />directions to learn when to change the cartridge. Using a filter after it <br />has expired can make it less effective at removing lead. <br />Contact your water company to determine if the pipe that connects <br />your home to the water main (called a service line) is made from lead. <br />Your area’s water company can also provide information about the lead <br />levels in your system’s drinking water. <br />For more information about lead in drinking water, please contact <br />EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791. If you have other <br />questions about lead poisoning prevention, call 1-800 424-LEAD.* <br />Call your local health department or water company to find out about <br />testing your water, or visit epa.gov/safewater for EPA’s lead in drinking <br />water information. Some states or utilities offer programs to pay for <br />water testing for residents. Contact your state or local water company <br />to learn more. <br />* Hearing- or speech-challenged individuals may access this number through TTY <br />by calling the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339.