Key Takeaways:

• The Source: Lead usually comes from aging home plumbing (pipes, solder, brass fixtures), not the city water treatment plant.
• The Risk: There is no safe level of lead exposure, especially for children.
• The Limitations: Standard pitcher filters and fridge filters are often not certified or effective enough for substantial lead reduction.
• The Solution: An NSF-certified Reverse Osmosis system is the gold standard for lead removal, physically blocking lead particles at the molecular level.

Lead is a toxic heavy metal that is particularly dangerous for children, and unfortunately, it can find its way into the drinking water of homes right here in the DFW area. Understanding the risk is the first step to protecting your family.

Where Does Lead in Drinking Water Come From?

In almost all cases, lead is not in the water when it leaves the municipal treatment plant. Instead, it leaches into the water from plumbing materials as it travels to your tap.

The most common sources are:

• Older Service Lines: The pipe connecting your home to the city's water main may be made of lead, especially in homes built before the 1980s.
• Lead Solder: Copper pipes in older homes were often joined with lead-based solder.
• Brass Fixtures: Older faucets, valves, and fittings made of brass could contain significant amounts of lead.

There is no safe level of lead exposure. The EPA's goal for lead in drinking water is zero.

How to Know If You Have Lead

The only way to know for sure if you have lead in your water is to have it tested by a certified laboratory. However, if your home was built before 1986, you should assume that lead might be present in your plumbing.

The Most Effective Solution for Lead Removal

While some carbon filters can reduce lead, their capacity is limited and they are not the most reliable long-term solution.

For true peace of mind, the best technology for removing lead at your kitchen sink is a Reverse Osmosis (RO) system (with USA-made options available) that is certified under NSF/ANSI 58 for lead reduction.

An RO system works by physically blocking the lead particles at the molecular level, ensuring they cannot pass through to your glass. It provides a consistent and reliable final barrier of protection for the water you use for drinking and cooking. Given the serious health risks, a certified lead removal system is a wise investment for any family in an older DFW home.

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Reviewed by Sai Akash Tumu, TCEQ Licensed Water Treatment Specialist (#WT0007448). Our approach is to educate first. For a personalized assessment, contact us for a free consultation.

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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Water conditions vary, and we recommend a professional on-site water test for an accurate solution. This is not medical advice. Read full disclaimer >