If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Although the majority of lead poisoning in children results from eating lead-based paint chips, lead in drinking water should also be considered. Lead in water primarily comes from the materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. Here are the common sources of lead in household water:

• Lead service pipe:The pipe that connects the water main in the street to your household plumbing. A portion of this pipe is in public space (First District Water's responsibility) and a portion is on private property (your responsibility). A "partial" lead service pipe is where a portion of the pipe is replaced, but a portion remains in public or private property. 

• Lead solder: Connects pipes in home plumbing.

• Brass faucets, valves or fittings: Can contain up to eight percent lead.

• Galvanized iron pipes: A type of household plumbing that can be a source of lead in homes that have, or had, a lead service pipe.

The Water Department is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components of each home. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. For assistance with lead sampling please contact the Manager of Water Quality at waterquality@firstdistrictwater.org or 203-229-7273.

When your water has been sitting unused for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for two minutes before using water for drinking or cooking.

More information on lead in drinking water can be found at www.epa.gov/safewater/lead or by calling the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791 .