Lead Frequently Asked Questions

Lead is a harmful metal found naturally in the environment. It can be dangerous if breathed in or swallowed and is present in air, soil, dust, food, and water.

Lead poses a health risk because it's a toxic metal that can have immediate and long-term effects on the body. High doses of lead can cause immediate harm, while prolonged exposure over time can lead to serious health issues. Lead can damage the brain, kidneys, blood, and vitamin D metabolism.

Pregnant women and young children are especially vulnerable to lead exposure because their bodies are more sensitive to its effects. Even low levels of exposure in children can result in damage to the nervous system, learning disabilities, stunted growth, hearing problems, and blood cell issues.

Although lead exposure commonly occurs through sources like paint, soil, and dust, drinking water can also be a significant source, especially for infants who consume formula mixed with lead-contaminated water.

Nationally

Lead and lead-containing materials were allowed in municipal and household plumbing until 1986 nationwide. The U.S. Congress amended the Safe Drinking Water Act in 1986 to prohibit pipes, solder, or flux that were not "lead-free." This meant solder and flux with no more than 0.2% lead and pipes with no more than 8% lead were considered "lead-free." In 2014, the maximum allowable lead content was further reduced to not more than a weighted average of 0.25% of the wetted surface of pipes, fittings, and fixtures. Click here to read more on the EPA's Lead Laws and Regulations.

In Wilmington’s Water System

In Wilmington's water system, homes built before 1988 may have lead water service lines, although their use could extend beyond this date. These homes might also contain lead in brass plumbing fixtures or lead solder used to connect copper pipes. Homes built after 1988 are less likely to have plumbing fixtures or solder-containing lead.

Lead does not naturally exist in Wilmington's drinking water when it leaves our treatment plant or travels through our water mains. However, in older homes, lead may be present in the pipes that connect the home to the water system, known as service lines, or in-home plumbing such as valves, fittings, and faucets. Lead from these sources can dissolve into the water or leach into it as particles, ending up at the tap.

No, water is not the only source of lead exposure. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, lead in drinking water typically accounts for only about 10% to 20% of total exposure. However, in children, drinking water can contribute to over half of their lead exposure due to their lower body weight. Because no level of lead is considered safe, it's strongly recommended that people completely eliminate potential sources of lead exposure whenever possible.

Any amount of lead in water can be harmful, even at very low levels. Lead has the potential to accumulate in our bodies over time, so it's important to take steps to reduce or eliminate exposure in households. While the risks depend on individual circumstances and water consumption, no concentration of lead is considered "safe." Households with pregnant women, infants, or young children are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of lead, even at low levels.

To prevent lead from dissolving into water from lead service lines or home plumbing, the City of Wilmington adjusts the water's chemistry at the treatment plants through a process known as corrosion control. The City adds Zinc Orthophosphate, a corrosion inhibitor, before the water leaves the treatment plants. This inhibitor coats the inside of water mains, service lines, and plumbing fixtures with a protective layer, minimizing the likelihood of lead leaching into the drinking water from potential sources such as lead service lines and some brass fixtures and fittings.

Zinc Orthophosphate addition is considered one of the most reliable forms of lead corrosion control. While corrosion control can significantly reduce risks, the best way to ensure your home is safe from lead exposure through water is to remove any potential sources of lead. Find specific information in the City's Water Quality Reports.

Wilmington has consistently complied with the EPA's Lead and Copper Rule since its establishment in 1991. The results of Wilmington's lead and copper compliance testing are available in our annual Water Quality Reports, also known as Consumer Confidence Reports (CCR). These reports are published by the City each year and can be found on the Water Quality Reports page.

A water service line is an underground pipe that transports water from Wilmington's main supply to the meter and then from the meter to a home or business. These pipes are usually small, with a diameter of 2 inches or less. Service lines and connections can be made of various materials, including copper, galvanized iron, lead, or plastic.

Lead in drinking water is not easy to detect as it can be colorless, odorless, and tasteless. The only sure way to know if your drinking water contains lead is to have it tested by a certified laboratory.

Visit our Lead Testing page for more information on your specific address.

Water Service Line Material Survey

Help us with our inventory! Take our Water Service Line Survey.

As part of the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions, effective October 16th, 2024, every public drinking water utility must create a service line inventory. As part of this regulation, the City of Wilmington is responsible for investigating service lines, connections, and fixtures on customers' private properties. It's important to note that maintaining or replacing these lines is the responsibility of the property owner.

Wilmington asks for your cooperation in checking for lead in your home as soon as possible.

To reduce or eliminate lead from your drinking water, consider the following steps:

• Run the Tap Before Use: Let cold water run for several minutes before using it for drinking or cooking. This helps flush out any water that may have been sitting in the pipes, reducing lead levels.
• Clean Aerators: Periodically remove and clean the aerators at the tips of faucets. These can accumulate small particles of lead, affecting water quality.
• Use Cold Water for Cooking and Drinking: Always use cold water for cooking and preparing baby formula. Hot water can dissolve lead more quickly, leading to higher levels in the water.
• Do Not Boil Water to Remove Lead: Boiling water will not remove lead. In fact, it may concentrate lead levels if the water evaporates.
• Filter the Water: Consider using a certified water filter that is effective at removing lead. Make sure to maintain the filter properly according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Taking these steps can help reduce lead levels in your drinking water and minimize exposure to this harmful substance.

Households with pregnant women, infants, or young children should take special precautions to protect against lead exposure through drinking water. Babies and young children are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of lead, even at low levels. The EPA estimates that infants who consume formula mixed with water containing lead can receive a significant portion of their lead exposure from drinking water, ranging from 40 to 60%. Therefore, it's crucial for families with young children to follow the recommended steps to reduce lead exposure in their drinking water.

Yes, it is generally considered safe to shower or bathe in water that contains lead. Lead is not absorbed through the skin, so there is minimal risk of exposure to lead while bathing or showering. However, it's still important to take steps to reduce lead levels in drinking water, especially for households with pregnant women, infants, or young children who may inadvertently ingest water while bathing.

The Lead and Copper Rule Revisions, issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), requires water systems to identify and inventory lead and galvanized service lines to better manage the risks of lead contamination in drinking water. Water utilities must notify constituents annually about the presence of lead, galvanized, and unknown service line materials and provide information about potential health risks.

If you received a letter, a portion of your water service line is lead, galvanized, or still unknown. Review the letters and next steps here.

Wilmington Water is using a multi-step approach to reach as many residents as possible, including text alerts, to ensure everyone has the opportunity to complete their survey. If you have already completed your survey, you can disregard this message. To check if your address has already been identified, please refer to the Service Line Inventory map.

The City of Wilmington will replace any lead or galvanized requiring replacement service line from the City’s water main all the way to your property when we are replacing the water main on your block.  The U.S. EPA recommends using a pitcher filter for drinking water for 6 months after a lead service line replacement to reduce potential exposure to lead. We will provide a pitcher filter certified for lead removal, as well as flushing instructions, after replacement for free.  If you haven’t received a filter during a water main replacement project on your block, that means the City determined that you did not have a lead or galvanized service line; therefore, a pitcher filter was not necessary. Find out more about the Small Mains Replacement Program here.

The City of Wilmington Water Utility has implemented a Lead Service Line Replacement Program to replace lead lines in conjunction with scheduled capital programs throughout the City water service area. The City also offers programs to assist Homeowners in replacing their potion of their service line. Find out more on our Lead Service Line Replacement Page.

If a lead service line is discovered in your home or business, or if the city identifies a lead service line leading to a customer's water meter, it does not necessarily mean that anyone has been exposed to lead. Wilmington implements an effective corrosion control program to greatly reduce the likelihood of lead from service lines entering the drinking water.

If a lead service line is found leading to your water meter, you will be notified of the findings. You'll also receive guidance on how to minimize your risk of lead exposure and additional water tests to ensure the ongoing safety of your water supply.

If you suspect lead may be present in your home or business, please follow the instructions on the customer survey to schedule an appointment with the City. During this appointment, your survey results will be reviewed and appropriate steps will be taken.