Health Risks of Lead in Drinking Water: Understanding Lead Exposure and Testing Methods

Lead in drinking water poses significant health risks, especially for young children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Here are some of the dangers:

Health Risks of Lead in Drinking Water

1. Brain and Nervous System Damage

• Lead exposure can impair brain development in children, leading to learning disabilities, reduced IQ, and behavioral issues.
• In adults, it can contribute to memory loss, cognitive decline, and increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

2. Developmental Issues in Children

• Even low levels of lead can cause developmental delays, attention disorders, and lower academic performance.

3. Increased Risk of Hypertension and Heart Disease

• Lead exposure is linked to high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and kidney damage in adults.

4. Reproductive Issues

• In women, lead can cause complications during pregnancy, including premature birth, low birth weight, and miscarriage.
• In men, lead exposure may decrease sperm count and fertility.

5. Kidney and Liver Damage

• Lead accumulates in the body over time, potentially leading to kidney and liver dysfunction.

6. Weakened Immune System

• Long-term lead exposure can affect the body’s ability to fight infections and illnesses.

Sources of Lead in Drinking Water

• Old Pipes and Plumbing Fixtures – Lead pipes, solder, and brass fixtures can leach lead into the water supply.
• Corrosion – Acidic or low-mineral water can cause lead to dissolve from pipes into drinking water.
• Well Water Contamination – Lead can enter private wells through environmental pollution or old plumbing materials.

There are two different tests when screening for lead in drinking water, a standard lead test and a first draw water test. The difference between a lead water test and a first draw lead test lies in how the sample is collected and what aspect of lead contamination it measures.

Lead Water Test (General)

• A lead water test refers to any testing procedure used to detect the presence of lead in drinking water.
• Samples can be collected at different times of the day and from various points in the plumbing system.
• This test may include first draw, flushed, or composite samples to provide a broader analysis of lead levels.

First Draw Lead Test

• A first draw lead test specifically measures lead concentrations in water that has been sitting in the plumbing system for at least 6–8 hours, such as overnight or after long periods of non-use.
• The first water out of the tap (typically 250 mL to 1 liter) is collected without flushing the pipes beforehand.
• This test is designed to identify lead leaching from pipes, fixtures, and solder within the plumbing system.
• It often shows the highest lead concentration a person might be exposed to, making it a critical test for assessing lead risks in homes, schools, and buildings.

Feature	Lead Water Test (General)	First Draw Lead Test
Purpose	Detects lead in water at various points and   times	Measures lead from plumbing materials after prolonged   stagnation
Sample Timing	Can be collected at different times and   locations	Taken after water sits for 6–8 hours
Focus	Broader assessment of lead contamination	Identifies lead leaching from pipes, fixtures, and solder
Lead Levels	May show varying lead concentrations	Typically shows the highest lead levels

Which Lead Test Should You Choose?

• If you suspect plumbing-based lead contamination, a first draw lead test is the best option.
• If you want a full picture of lead in your water supply, including potential contamination from external sources (e.g., water mains), a series of lead water tests, including first draw and flushed samples, is recommended.

Concerned about lead in your drinking water? At 5D Home Inspections, we offer comprehensive water quality testing in New Jersey and New York to help you safeguard your home and family. Contact us today to schedule a professional inspection and ensure your home is safe from harmful contaminants.