Lead
What it is
A metal that usually gets into tap water from lead service lines, lead solder, and older brass fixtures inside buildings, not from the water source itself. Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead plumbing.
Your body
EPA has set a health goal of zero for lead because no safe level of exposure is known. In children, low-level lead exposure has been linked to lower IQ, learning and attention problems; in adults, to raised blood pressure and kidney effects. Pregnant women and young children are most at risk.
Your home
Lead itself does not damage plumbing, but its presence is a sign of corrosion: water chemistry that dissolves metal from pipes, solder, and fixtures.
Federal standard: Action level 15 ppb; health goal 0 (EPA)
Treatment options that can reduce it
For drinking water, look for a system certified to NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 for lead reduction.
Research & sources (5)
Maryland water systems that reported lead
- Baltimore City Department of Public WorksBaltimore City (also serves most of Baltimore County) · 2025 data
- City of AnnapolisAnne Arundel · 2025 data
- City of CambridgeDorchester · 2025 data
- City of FrederickFrederick · 2025 data
- City of SalisburyWicomico · 2025 data
- Easton UtilitiesTalbot · 2025 data
- Harford County Department of Public WorksHarford · 2025 data
- Howard County Department of Public WorksHoward · 2025 data
- Town of OxfordTalbot · 2025 data
- Town of St. MichaelsTalbot · 2025 data
- Town of TrappeTalbot · 2025 data
- WSSC WaterMontgomery and Prince George's · 2025 data
See common private-well contaminants →
The information on this site is for general education only and is not medical advice. Talk with a qualified health professional about health concerns. Water treatment equipment performance depends on the system, its certification, and proper maintenance.
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