Lead is a toxic metal and can be very harmful to humans. It can cause cardiovascular problems, increased blood pressure, hypertension, and reproductive problems in adults. Children exposed to lead can face lifelong impacts like reduced intelligence and behavioral problems.
EPA has set the maximum contaminant level for lead to zero in drinking water because it is among the most harmful contaminants and causes permanent damage. Therefore, it is very important to remove lead from drinking water. Most private well owners rely on water filters to make their water safe for drinking. Hence, the question arises, do water filters remove lead from drinking water?
Do Water Filters Remove Lead From Drinking Water?
This depends on the filter you use to treat your well water. Most filters can remove lead from drinking water if certified to remove lead, properly installed, and used correctly. EPA conducted a water filter study in Benton Harbor, Michigan and analyzed water samples from about 200 homes. The results showed that water filters effectively remove lead from drinking water.
Filters that Remove Lead From Drinking Water
Reverse Osmosis Filters
RO filters are the most effective water filtration systems. The water filtered using a RO unit is 99% pure and free from all contaminants. The RO membrane is a micro membrane that only allows water molecules to pass through. A typical RO filter consists of 5-7 filtration stages with a sediment filter, activated carbon filter, granular carbon filters, RO filter, and post carbon filters. Some models also consist of a remineralization stage UV filter for removing microorganisms.
1. APEC Water Systems ROES-50 Reverse Osmosis Water Filter
This RO filter can remove up to 99% of all contaminants from drinking water. Moreover, it has a 100% lead-free design to ensure zero lead contamination while water moves through the filter. All the materials used in the making are 100% food grade and certified by WQA.
The filter can remove sediment, VOCs, arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, fluoride, copper, lead, radium, and almost every contaminant in water. Please note that it will not remove microorganisms from water as it doesn’t have UV filtration.
2. SimPure Y7 UV Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water
SimPure’s unit is a countertop water filter. It is best for small kitchens, cabin homes, and small families. The filter can handle TDS up to 500 PPM and effectively removes lead, mercury, arsenic, and other heavy metals from drinking water.
The unit is a plug-and-play filter. You don’t have to worry about installation, maintenance, and leaks. All you have to do is plug it in and enjoy clean drinking water.
Activated Carbon Filters
Activated carbon filters also remove lead from drinking water, but they aren’t as effective as RO filters. They have a limited lead removal capacity, and filter cartridges get choked if exposed to higher lead levels. It leads to frequent filter replacements and increased ongoing maintenance costs.
Please note that only activated carbon filters can remove lead from water. A simple carbon filter cannot remove lead from drinking water.
Whole House Water Filters
Whole house water filters with activated carbon can also remove lead from drinking water. However, many people install a whole house water filter, not for drinking but to maintain water quality throughout their house.
Distillation
Distilled water is pure H20 that is often used for medical purposes. Water is boiled, and vapors are converted to water again by cooling. This is an expensive method, and distilled water tastes bland. It is not recommended for homeowners.
Filter Pitchers
Most filter pitchers have activated carbon filters that can remove lead in small quantities. They are best for individuals and small families. Many people use these filter pitchers for dinner tables.
1. ZeroWater 20 Cup Water Filter Pitcher
This is a 20-cup pitcher filter that can remove lead, heavy metals, PFOA/PFOS, and many other contaminants. It is also NSF certified to remove lead, so you don’t have to worry about its effectiveness. Moreover, the pitcher comes with a TDS testing kit so you can analyze its performance. You’ll have to replace the cartridge after 150 gallons.
2. Epic Pure Water Filter Pitchers
This filter is best for small families and individuals. It can filter 10 cups in one go and has a cartridge life of 150 gallons. The filter can remove lead, PFAS, heavy metals, chlorine taste & smell, and other organic impurities from water.
Faucet Filters
Faucet water filters with activated carbon blocks can remove lead from drinking water. These filters are very effective in removing lead but can only remove lead up to a limited concentration.
Brita’s tap water filter system and Waterdrop WD-FC-06 are recommended if you want a faucet water filter to remove lead from tap water.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to know if lead is present in water?
Well water users can get the water tested at home or send a sample to a government-certified lab for evaluation. City water users can obtain a copy of the water quality report from EPA’s website.
2. How to make sure that your water filter removes lead?
Here’s a checklist to ensure that your water filter will remove lead from drinking water.
- Check for the type of filter before buying a filter. (RO and activated carbon filters remove lead from drinking water).
- Look for NSF 53 and 42 certifications.
- Check how much lead your filter can handle and compare it with a water quality report.
- Get it installed by a professional if you don’t know how plumbing connections work.
- Don’t expose the filter to working conditions it cannot handle, like extreme pressure and temperature.
- Run 2-3 gallons of water after filter replacement to remove dust and cloudiness in the filter.
- Check water quality after installing the filter.
3. Do carbon filters remove lead?
Only activated carbon filters can remove lead from drinking water up to a certain concentration. Standard carbon filters cannot remove lead from drinking water. Make sure you buy an activated carbon filter if your well water contains lead.
4. Can a refrigerator filter remove lead from drinking water?
No. A refrigerator water filter doesn’t remove lead from drinking water. Refrigerator filters usually remove chlorine, sediment, and VOCs from water.
5. What is NSF certification for removing lead?
Point-of-use filters with NSF/ANSI 53 certification (for total lead) and NSF/ANSI 42 (for fine particulate) remove lead from drinking water.
6. Can you drink water from lead pipes?
Yes. You can drink water from lead pipes if they don’t contaminate water. Homes with old lead pipes usually have lead contamination issues. You can install a water filter to remove lead from drinking water.
7. Does boiling water remove lead from drinking water?
No. Boiling water doesn’t remove lead from water. Instead, it concentrates lead in the water because water boils more quickly than lead (boiling point: 1749C).
8. How to reduce lead contamination in water?
The best way to eliminate lead concentration is to replace lead pipes in your homes. You can also run water for 1-2 minutes to flush out lead-contaminated water if the tap has not been used for 5-6 hours. Further, you must use cold water for drinking and cooking as hot water dissolves lead faster than cold water.
9. Do I need to install a lead filter for showering?
No. EPA mentions that bathing and showering with lead-contaminated water is safe for adults and children even if the water contains lead above EPA’s maximum contamination limit.
Final Words
EPA takes lead contamination seriously and recommends its 100% removal from water. Private well owners must ensure that lead is completely removed from drinking water because it can harm your health severely.
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