Lead
EPA MCLG
0 mg/L
EPA's health goal is zero — no known safe level of exposure. This is a goal, not an enforceable limit.
Health Effects
Infants and children: Delays in physical or mental development; children could show slight deficits in attention span and learning abilities Adults: Kidney problems; high blood pressure
Source: EPA — National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (retrieved 2026-07-27)
On a private well?
This page covers Lead in public water systems. Private wells are unregulated and not tested by anyone unless you arrange it.
Lead in private well water →Common Sources
- Corrosion of household plumbing systems
- erosion of natural deposits
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Where is Lead Found?
Lead has been detected above EPA health guidelines in 3,216 cities serving 305.2M people across the US.
and 3,211 more cities
About the EPA MCLG
The EPA MCLG is the level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. It is a non-enforceable public health goal, and is often stricter than the legal limit (MCL) water systems must meet.
Contaminant Type
Lead is classified as a Metals contaminant.
Related Metals Contaminants
View Contamination Map
See lead levels across US cities on our interactive map.
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Public water reports may not test frequently enough or at your specific tap. Professional home testing provides current, location-specific results.
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