How to Test for Lead in Water: A Homeowner’s Guide to Detection and Removal
Ensuring the safety of your drinking water is crucial, especially when it comes to lead contamination. Lead is a toxic heavy metal that can enter your water supply through corroded pipes, aging fixtures, and older municipal systems. It’s colorless, tasteless, and odorless—so you won’t know it’s there without proper testing. That’s why knowing how to test for lead in water and taking action to remove it is essential for protecting your family’s health.
Lead in household water is often overlooked because it’s invisible and odorless, but it can still pose serious health risks over time.
How Does Lead Get in Water?
Lead typically enters water through corrosion of plumbing materials that contain lead. Homes built before 1986 are most at risk, as lead pipes, solder, and fixtures were commonly used before federal restrictions. When water sits in these pipes—especially if it’s naturally acidic or low in minerals—it can dissolve the lead and carry it into your tap.
Even if your local municipality treats water to be lead-free, the service lines leading to your home may still contain lead components. According to the EPA, the goal for lead in drinking water is zero, and no level is considered safe, especially for children.
What Does Lead Look Like in Water?
It doesn’t. Lead is invisible to the eye, and it won’t affect the taste or smell of your tap water. This makes proactive testing essential. The CDC states that even low levels of lead exposure can affect brain development, making it critical to detect and remove it before harm occurs.
How to Test for Lead in Water
You have a few options for testing lead levels at home:
- Lead Water Test Kits: These kits are available online or in hardware stores. They include collection vials for mailing to a certified lab. While convenient, results may vary in accuracy.
- Certified Lab Testing: EPA-certified labs provide the most accurate results. Use the EPA’s guide to locate approved testing providers.
- Local Health Departments: Many states and counties offer free or discounted water testing programs for homes at risk of lead exposure.
For a preliminary evaluation, the EPA’s “Protect Your Tap” checklist can help assess your risk based on plumbing materials and home age.
How to Remove Lead from Drinking Water
If testing confirms the presence of lead, several treatment options are available to reduce or eliminate it:
- Reverse Osmosis Systems: Reverse osmosis (RO) is a powerful point-of-use filtration method that removes up to 99% of lead. Shell Water’s Pure Aqua Tankless RO system offers high-efficiency filtration with minimal waste.
- Whole House Filtration: Whole-home systems like Shell’s address a broader spectrum of contaminants, ensuring cleaner water from every tap. Learn more about RO vs. whole-house filtration.
- NSF-Certified Filters: Look for filters that are certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 or 58 for lead reduction. This ensures they’ve been independently tested to perform as claimed.
Remember, boiling water does not remove lead. In fact, it can concentrate lead further by evaporating water. Use proper filtration instead.
Choosing the Right Water Filter
Choosing a filter depends on your home’s configuration and whether you want to treat just your drinking water or your entire home supply. Shell Water Systems offers both point-of-use and whole-home solutions, all with expert support available remotely.
- Point-of-Use Filters (like RO): Installed under your sink, these treat water at a specific faucet—ideal for cooking and drinking.
- Whole-Home Systems: Installed at your water main, these treat all the water entering your home, improving water for bathing, laundry, and more.
Need help choosing? Visit our water filter buying guide for detailed comparisons and recommendations.
Why Expert Support Still Matters
While Shell Water Systems doesn’t send technicians into homes, we do provide expert support online or by phone. Our team is trained to help interpret your water test results, walk you through selecting the right system, and guide you during basic installation. For complex setups, we’ll recommend trusted professionals in your area to ensure everything’s done correctly.
This remote support model allows us to deliver premium systems nationwide without compromising on service. Explore the benefits of installing a filtration system and see why customers choose Shell for peace of mind and long-term health.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if there’s lead in my water?
You can’t detect lead by sight, smell, or taste. The only way to know is through proper testing using a certified lab or DIY lead test kit approved for accuracy.
Does boiling water remove lead?
No. Boiling water actually increases lead concentration. You’ll need a certified filtration for lead system or reverse osmosis for lead removal to ensure safety.
Do all filters remove lead?
No. Only lead-safe water filters certified under NSF/ANSI Standard 53 or 58 are proven to remove lead. Always verify certification before purchasing.
What should I do if my test shows high lead levels?
Install a certified filter system such as Shell’s reverse osmosis unit or a whole-house water filter. Our team can help you select the best solution based on your needs and lead water risk factors.
Can I install a water system myself?
Many Shell Water Systems are designed for easy installation. Our support team provides step-by-step guidance for DIY installs and can recommend a professional for more advanced setups involving lead pipe plumbing or complex connections.
Take Control of Your Water Quality
Lead contamination in water is a hidden threat—but with the right tools and information, it’s one you can manage. Start by testing your water, then explore advanced treatment options like Shell’s NSF-certified reverse osmosis systems or whole-home filters to protect your family.
Need help? Contact Shell Water Systems today to speak with our expert team. We’ll walk you through testing, selecting the right system, and ensuring you get the clean water your home deserves, without any in-home visits required.