What type of water conditioning can help to prevent lead leaching?

Neutralizing water acidity is an effective method to prevent lead leaching from plumbing systems. When water is acidic, it has the potential to corrode pipes made of lead or lead-soldered joints, allowing harmful lead particles to leach into the drinking water supply. By adjusting the pH level of the water to a more neutral range, especially between 7.0 and 8.5, the corrosive nature of the water is reduced. This helps in forming a protective layer on the interior surfaces of pipes, thereby minimizing the risk of lead contamination.

In contrast, increasing water temperature does not address the corrosive chemical properties of water, which is the main contributor to lead leaching. Adding minerals typically aims to improve water quality or flavor but may not effectively mitigate corrosion issues. Fluoridation is a dental health measure aimed at reducing cavities and has no effect on lead leaching or water chemistry related to pipe corrosion. Thus, maintaining proper water acidity is crucial in protecting against lead leaching in water distribution systems.