What is the primary source of lead contamination in drinking water?

The primary source of lead contamination in drinking water is lead pipes, solder, or fixtures. Many older water distribution systems used lead materials in their construction, which can corrode and leach lead into the drinking water. This is particularly a problem when the water is acidic or has low mineral content, which can enhance corrosion, leading to higher levels of lead being dissolved into the water supply.

Aging infrastructure remains a significant concern, as systems built before the bans on lead in plumbing materials still need to be monitored for lead content. While other sources of lead contamination, such as industrial discharge, can contribute to the presence of lead in the environment, drinking water primarily becomes contaminated through the use of lead plumbing components that interact directly with the water supply in homes and communities.

Understanding this is critical for water treatment operators, as they must implement strategies to monitor and manage lead levels in drinking water to protect public health.