Lead
metal
Corrosion of lead service lines, brass fixtures, and lead solder in household plumbing; erosion of natural deposits. Rarely present in source water — lead is usually picked up between the main and the tap.
EPA regulatory status
Legal limit (MCL)
No numeric MCL
Goal (MCLG)
0 mg/L
No MCL — regulated as a treatment technique under the Lead and Copper Rule. Action level = 15 ppb (0.015 mg/L) at the 90th percentile of tap samples. The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI, effective Dec 30 2024) lowers the action level to 10 ppb (0.010 mg/L) with a compliance date of Nov 1, 2027. MCLG is 0 (no safe level).
Health effects
No safe level of exposure. In infants and children: developmental delays, lower IQ, attention and learning problems. In adults: kidney problems and high blood pressure. Lead accumulates in the body over time.
This is general public-health information, not medical advice — consult your physician with any health concerns.
National violations
137
EPA's enforcement data (SDWIS/ECHO) records 137 violations of Lead's rule nationally.
How to remove Lead
distillation
NSF/ANSI 62
Frequently asked questions
What is Lead?
Lead is a metal regulated in US drinking water. Corrosion of lead service lines, brass fixtures, and lead solder in household plumbing; erosion of natural deposits. Rarely present in source water — lead is usually picked up between the main and the tap.
What is the legal limit for Lead in drinking water?
No MCL — regulated as a treatment technique under the Lead and Copper Rule. Action level = 15 ppb (0.015 mg/L) at the 90th percentile of tap samples. The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI, effective Dec 30 2024) lowers the action level to 10 ppb (0.010 mg/L) with a compliance date of Nov 1, 2027. MCLG is 0 (no safe level).
What health effects does Lead have?
No safe level of exposure. In infants and children: developmental delays, lower IQ, attention and learning problems. In adults: kidney problems and high blood pressure. Lead accumulates in the body over time.
How many violations of Lead limits are on record nationally?
EPA's enforcement data (SDWIS/ECHO) records 137 violations of Lead's rule nationally.
How do I remove Lead from my water?
Filter technologies certified to reduce Lead include: reverse osmosis (NSF/ANSI 58), activated carbon (NSF/ANSI 53), distillation (NSF/ANSI 62). Look for a filter independently certified against the specific NSF/ANSI standard for this contaminant — general "reduces contaminants" marketing claims are not the same as a contaminant-specific certification.
Source: EPA National Primary Drinking Water Regulations · Data as of 2026-07-16