Lead in Well Water: Where It Comes From and How to Get Rid of It
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- Lead rarely comes from the aquifer. In private wells it usually leaches from brass fittings, old solder, older pump parts and pipes, especially when the water is acidic.
- There is no safe level of lead. The EPA health goal is zero, and its action level for public water drops from 15 to 10 ppb from 2027.
- Test with a first draw sample from the kitchen tap after water sits overnight.
- Fix the cause (often low pH) and use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 for lead.
Most people think of lead as a city water problem. But private wells can have lead too, and nobody tests it for you.
The good news is that lead in well water usually comes from parts you can find and fix. This guide shows where it comes from, how to test properly and how to get rid of it.
Lead risk and result checker
Lead risk and result checker
Tick what is true for your home and well. Enter a lab result in parts per billion (ppb or ug/L) if you have one.
Where lead in well water comes from
Lead is rarely found naturally in groundwater at high levels. In most wells, the lead comes from the water system between the aquifer and your glass.
- Brass fittings and valves. Brass made before 2014 could contain up to 8% lead. Pitless adapters, check valves and pressure tank tees are common culprits.
- Older pump parts. Some older submersible pumps used leaded brass in their housings or discharge heads.
- Lead solder. Copper pipes joined before 1986 often used solder with lead in it.
- Old fixtures. Faucets and valves made before the 2014 “lead free” rule can leach lead.
- Acidic water. Water with a pH below about 6.5 is corrosive and pulls lead and copper out of plumbing much faster.
If you see blue green stains in sinks or tubs, your water is probably corrosive. Our acid neutralizer guide explains how to raise the pH.
Health effects and limits
Lead builds up in the body over time. Children and unborn babies are most at risk, because even low levels can affect learning, attention and growth, according to the CDC.
In adults, lead is linked to high blood pressure and kidney damage.
| Measure | Level | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| EPA health goal | 0 ppb | No known safe level of lead |
| Action level today | 15 ppb | Public water systems must act above this |
| Action level from 2027 | 10 ppb | Lower trigger under the 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Improvements |
Sources: EPA, lead in drinking water; EPA Lead and Copper Rule Improvements. These rules cover public systems; private well owners use them as a guide.
How to test your well for lead
- Take a first draw sample. Collect water from the kitchen tap first thing in the morning, before anyone runs water. This shows the worst case.
- Take a flushed sample too. Run the tap for 2 to 3 minutes and collect a second sample. If the first is high and the second is low, the lead is coming from your plumbing, not the well.
- Use a certified lab. Home strips can show lead is present, but a lab gives the exact level in ppb.
- Test pH and copper at the same time. They help explain where the lead is coming from.
Add lead to your routine schedule in our well testing guide, and read any report with our well water test results checker.
See well water test kits on Amazon
How to remove lead from well water
1. Fix the cause
If the water is acidic, an acid neutralizer or soda ash feed raises the pH and stops it eating into brass and solder. This is often the most important step.
Replace leaded brass parts, old faucets and any lead solder joints you can reach. A well pro can check the pitless adapter and pump.
2. Filter drinking water
An under sink reverse osmosis system certified to NSF/ANSI 58 for lead, or a carbon block filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead, protects drinking and cooking water. See our under sink RO picks.
See lead certified filters on Amazon
3. Use simple habits until it is fixed
- Run the cold tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking if water has sat for hours.
- Use only cold water for drinking, cooking and baby formula.
- Do not boil water to remove lead. Boiling does not remove it.
- Clean faucet aerators, where lead particles can collect.
Related: Radon in well water: what your test result means, with a result checker and treatment options.
Frequently asked questions
Can a private well have lead in it?
Yes. Lead in well water usually comes from brass fittings, older pump parts, lead solder and old fixtures, especially when the water is acidic, rather than from the aquifer itself.
What is a safe level of lead in well water?
There is no known safe level. The EPA health goal is zero, and public water systems must act above 15 ppb today and above 10 ppb from 2027.
Does boiling water remove lead?
No. Boiling does not remove lead and can slightly concentrate it as water evaporates.
Will a water softener remove lead?
A softener is not a reliable lead treatment. Use a reverse osmosis or carbon filter certified for lead, and fix acidic water at the source.
How do I know if lead is coming from my pipes or my well?
Compare a first draw sample with a sample taken after running the tap for a few minutes. If lead drops after flushing, it is coming from your plumbing.
