Lead contamination of drinking water endangers the health of residents throughout NJ and is particularly detrimental to brain development in young children. The issue is not confined to urban areas or public water supplies. Residents in rural areas who rely on private wells are also at risk, particularly in homes built before 1986. Lead exposure may be reduced or eliminated with inexpensive treatments. The first step is to test your water.
Testing your water for lead is easy!
- The only way to know whether or not you have lead in your water supply is to test for it.
- Pick up a lead test kit at any time at RHA’s Bedminster or Flemington office. Just call us and we’ll put one out in the pick-up box for you. Samples are accepted year-round and results take just 2 weeks. Click here to order a kit online. You may pay with a credit card or by check when you return your sample to us.
Health effects of lead exposure
- Lead can be harmful to every organ system in your body. Click on the links below to learn more.
- Lead in Drinking Water and Human Blood Lead Levels in the United States (CDC, 2012)
- Public Health Statement for Lead – CDC’s summary of health information
- What Do Parents Need to Know to Protect Their Children? – information about blood lead levels from CDC
Treatment options for reducing or eliminating lead exposure from drinking water
- Drinking Water Facts: Lead – Lead Fact Sheet from the NJ Department of Health
- La Realidad sobre el Agua: El Plomo – Departamento de Salud del Estado de Nueva Jersey
- Certified Product Lists for Lead Reduction – special consumer guide from NSF
- Search for NSF certified treatment units – searchable database from NSF
- Water Health Series – Filtration Facts – home water treatment facts from USEPA
Lead in schools and child care facilities
- Drinking Water Facts: Lead in drinking water at schools and child care facilities- NJ Department of Health
- Realidades Acerca del Agua Potable: El Plomo en el Agua Potable de Escuelas y Guarderías
Tools for local leaders: resources for educating communities
- Lead in Private Water Systems – presentation from Dr. Kelsey Pieper, Virginia Tech
- Basic Information about Lead in Drinking Water – info. from U.S. EPA, primarily related to public water
- Sources of Lead: Water – information from CDC, primarily related to public water systems
- Lead in Drinking Water – information from Penn State about lead in drinking water
- U.S. EPA lead portal – information about all sources of lead
