How can I protect my family from lead in tap water?

Yes — you can reduce lead in your tap water by flushing your pipes, using cold water for drinking and cooking, and installing a home water filtration system. These steps help limit exposure, especially in older Boston homes with aging pipes.

TL;DR

• Lead enters tap water through household plumbing, not usually from the water source.
• Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead pipes or fixtures.
• Always use cold water for drinking, cooking, and baby formula — hot water can draw out more lead.
• Flush your tap for 30–60 seconds in the morning to reduce lead that accumulated overnight.
• Consider installing a water filtration system if you want extra protection.

Though lead is not usually found in source water, it can leach into your tap water through your home’s pipes. Boston homes built before 1986 are more likely to contain lead pipes or fixtures — and even legally “lead-free” plumbing may contain up to 8% lead. It adds up: a study published in The Journal of Environmental Health found that 14–20% of total lead exposure can come from tap water.

To reduce lead in tap water, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends using only cold tap water for drinking and cooking, especially when preparing baby formula or meals for children. Hot water is more corrosive and draws out not only lead, but also other contaminants present in older plumbing.

Each morning, before using water for drinking or cooking, run the tap for about a minute until it becomes as cold as possible. This helps flush out water that has been sitting in pipes overnight.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection regularly tests homes statewide for lead and other contaminants. View the results of water testing here.

You can also consult us about installing a water filtration system in your home for additional peace of mind.