Lead pipes and lead filters

Most lead in tap water comes from plumbing, and in homes that have one, the lead service line (the pipe from the water main to the house) is typically the biggest source (EPA). If you have a lead line or are not sure, EPA's advice includes using a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead reduction (EPA) and having your water tested, because testing is the only way to confirm whether lead is present (EPA).

Why lead matters

EPA's health goal for lead in drinking water is zero. EPA and CDC agree there is no known safe level of lead in a child's blood (EPA). EPA estimates that drinking water can make up 20% or more of a person's total lead exposure, and 40% to 60% for infants who mostly drink mixed formula (same source).

Find out if you have a lead service line

• Ask your utility. Utilities had to submit an initial service line inventory by October 16, 2024. The inventory must be publicly accessible. Utilities must also notify you if your line is lead, is galvanized and may be contaminated by lead, or is of unknown material (EPA).
• Check the pipe yourself. EPA's Protect Your Tap guide walks you through checking whether a lead service line brings water into your home. All you need is a coin or key and a magnet.
• Know the odds. Lead pipes are more likely in older cities and in homes built before 1986. Homes without lead lines can still get lead from brass or chrome-plated brass faucets and from lead solder (EPA).

EPA estimates there are about 4 million lead service lines in the US (EPA).

What EPA's 2024 lead rule requires

The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements require most water systems to replace the lead service lines, and certain galvanized lines, under their control within 10 years (EPA). Systems must start complying on November 1, 2027 (40 CFR 141.80). Until then, the current rule and its 15 ppb action level apply (EPA). The new rule lowers the lead action level from 15 to 10 µg/L, which is the same as ppb. Systems with repeated action level exceedances will have to make filters certified to reduce lead available to all consumers (EPA fact sheet).

How to pick a lead filter

EPA's consumer tool says to look for:

1. The certifier's mark and a statement of certification to NSF/ANSI 53 with a lead reduction claim.
2. Ideally, certification to NSF/ANSI 42 for particulate reduction (Class I) as well.

The tool covers pitcher and point-of-use filters evaluated for reducing lead to 5 ppb or less (EPA). Certifications are model-specific, so check that your filter and its replacement cartridge appear on the listing. EPA names five certifiers with listing directories: CSA Group, IAPMO R&T, NSF, UL Solutions and WQA (EPA).

Three filters with a certified lead claim

Each of these is Certified (IAPMO listing, checked 16 Oct 2026) for lead reduction under NSF/ANSI 53.

The Brita listing covers the OB06 cartridge in the Brita pitchers and dispensers it names. Two gallons a day is 730 gallons a year, so adjust the last column for your household. Follow the manual's schedule too: EPA says a cartridge used past its life can be less effective at removing lead, and you should not run hot water through the filter (EPA).

Other steps EPA recommends

These are all from EPA's lead page:

• Flush water that has sat in the pipes before drinking it, by running the tap, showering, or running a load of laundry or dishes. Your utility can say how long.
• Clean the faucet aerator regularly, because lead particles can collect there.
• Use only cold water for drinking, cooking and baby formula. Boiling does not remove lead.
• Have your water tested. Your utility can help, and testing is the only way to confirm whether lead is present (EPA).

To read the lead numbers in your utility's report, see how to read your water quality report.