The presence of lead can occur in both public water supplies and private well water supplies. High levels of lead in drinking water can cause severe health problems, especially in children. Many people who drink from their own wells do not assume that lead can be present in underground water. They are wrong.

Let's begin by defining lead. In simple terms, lead is a metal that is naturally occurring in most areas of the world. While lead does occur naturally, higher, dangerous levels are usually caused by man-made events. These can include the burning of fossil fuels, mining, and manufacturing to name just three.

Lead can also be found in many products and materials. For example, while many believe lead is no longer in paint, it can be found in some types of paint. Lead can also be found in batteries and many types of metal products. All of these sources can leach lead into ground water supplies and from there get into private well water supplies.

Those consumers who drink from their own private wells should note that lead is often brought to the tap because of old pipes and lead solder that may have been used to connect pipes and faucets. Most experts agree that lead pipes are the major way lead gets into drinking water in both rural and urban settings. This applies to both public water systems and private well water consumers.

Even though brass usually contains low levels of lead, the substance can still dissolve into the water that is delivered to the tap. This is especially true when the plumbing fixtures are new.

Wells that are over twenty years old may contain lead in the "packer" element. This element is used to seal the well above the well screen. It should also be noted that some older model submersible pumps may also contain leaded and brass parts and components.

What all of this means is even though there may be little to no lead in your well water outside, lead can get into your drinking water as it travels through the pump, pipes and fixtures to the tap. Lead can be especially high in the water that comes from some older hot water tanks. You should never drink from the hot water tap, and not use hot tap water for cooking.

The only way to know if you have lead in your drinking water is to have it tested. Those who own private wells may also want to have a professional pump installer come out and inspect the pump and piping for any lead components or parts.

If you discover you do have lead in your drinking water the best course of action is to try to remove the source of the lead. This might mean changing out older pump parts or installing newer pipes that do not have lead solder connects.

Another option to consider is the use of water filters inside the home. Water filters can be purchased that are either whole house filters or point of use filters. Whole house water filters can remove lead from any water that enters the residence. Point of use water filters, which are very affordable these days, are used at the faucets. In addition to removing lead, quality water filters will also remove many other types of water contaminants, making your water much safer for your family to drink and cook with.

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