Skip to main content
💧 TapWaterData

Loading map...

Lead in Drinking Water Map

Understanding Lead in Drinking Water

Lead is a toxic metal that can cause serious health problems, especially in children. Unlike many other contaminants, lead typically enters drinking water through corrosion of lead pipes, faucets, and fixtures in homes and buildings—not from the water source itself.

The EPA has set the Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) for lead in drinking water at zero because lead can be harmful even at low exposure levels. However, lead pipes and service lines remain common in many US cities, particularly in older homes built before 1986.

Health Effects of Lead Exposure

Lead exposure can cause serious health problems including:

  • Children: Developmental delays, learning difficulties, behavioral problems, lower IQ, and hearing problems
  • Pregnant women: Premature birth, reduced growth of the fetus, and potential harm to the developing nervous system
  • Adults: Cardiovascular effects, kidney problems, decreased kidney function, and reproductive issues

There is no safe level of lead exposure. Even low levels can accumulate in the body over time, causing long-term health effects.

Explore More Maps

PFAS Contamination Map

View PFAS "forever chemical" detections across 555 US cities. 339 cities exceed EPA 2024 limits, affecting over 91 million people. See which areas have elevated PFAS levels.

View PFAS Map →

More Maps Coming Soon

We're working on additional contamination maps including arsenic, nitrates, and chromium-6. Subscribe to get notified when new maps are available.

Data Sources & Limitations

The data shown on this map is compiled from EPA SDWIS database and public water utility Consumer Confidence Reports. Lead levels can vary significantly based on individual home plumbing.

Important notes:

  • Lead typically enters water from pipes inside your home, not the water supply
  • Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead pipes and fixtures
  • Testing your own tap water is the only way to know your actual lead exposure
  • Run your water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially if water hasn't been used for several hours

Stay Informed About Your Water Quality

Get EPA reports, filter recommendations, and safety alerts for your area.

Join 10,000+ people protecting their families. Unsubscribe anytime.