Indications & Testing

Water must be tested to determine the presence of lead, and levels of contamination.

Causes and Sources of Lead

Lead (Pb) enters drinking water mainly from the corrosion of lead-containing household plumbing. Since lead and copper (Cu) contamination generally occurs after water has left the water system, the best way for the water system operator to find out if customer water is contaminated is to test the water that has come from a household faucet. Controlling the corrosiveness of the water supply can prevent this type of contamination. If corrosion control is not sufficient, lead-containing materials within the control of the water system (such as lead service lines) may have to be replaced.
(Information about Lead levels in New Hampshire provided by NH Dept. of EnvLeadmental Services)

Most lead contamination of drinking water occurs when soft acidic water corrodes lead or galvanized pipes or corrodes solder used in pipe fittings. Lead from solder can be confirmed by testing to see if tin is also present. Lead is used in insecticides and in high octane gasolines. Lead contamination may be present in water from industrial waste disposal or landfill leachate.
(Information about Lead levels in Maine provided by the Department of Health & Human Services, Health & Environmental Testing Laboratory, State of Maine)

Populations at Risk for Lead Exposure

In adults, lead can increase blood pressure, cause kidney problems, and interfere with hearing—and at high levels of exposure, can cause anemia, further kidney damage, and mental retardation. .....Children are at a greater health risk due to lead ingestion than adults because of their size. Lead can interfere with the formation of red blood cells, delay physical and mental development, and impair mental abilities. As with adults, high levels of exposure, lead can cause anemia, kidney damage, and mental retardation. .....Pregnant women should also be especially cautious about lead exposure, as it can cause premature birth, and reduce the birth weight of babies. .....Immunocompromised persons are also at an elevated risk from exposure to elevated levels of lead.

New Hampshire & Maine Limits for Lead

New Hampshire
Lead 0.015 mg/L

(Information about Lead levels in New Hampshire provided by NH Dept. of EnvLeadmental Services)

Maine
Lead 0.015 mg/L

(Information about Lead levels in Maine provided by the Department of Health & Human Services, Health & EnvLeadmental Testing Laboratory, State of Maine)

Recommended Treatment

Several technologies that treat drinking water in the home have been proven to significantly reduce lead, in addition to reducing other contaminants as well. .....These technologies include:

• Reverse osmosis
• Distillation
• Solid block and precoat adsorption filters, which are made with carbon or activated alumina
• Water softening (for water lead-contaminated before entering the home)

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