Is tap water in an older house with lead pipes safe to drink?
No without a filter. Lead leaches from old pipes into drinking water, especially the first draw of the morning.
What's actually in it
U.S. homes built before 1986 may have lead pipes or lead solder in the plumbing. Water sitting overnight in those pipes picks up lead. The first draw of the morning is the most contaminated.
Lead has no safe level, especially for pregnant women and kids.
What the research says
A 2025 study in J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol tracked lead sources in households and confirmed pipes and solder are ongoing contributors. Even small amounts raise kids' blood lead.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking. Install a lead-certified filter (NSF 53) on the kitchen tap or the whole home. If you're pregnant or have small kids, get water tested and filtered.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Evaluating metal cookware as a source of lead exposure. | J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol | 2025 |
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