Inorganic
Lead in your water
Is Lead in drinking water dangerous?
It depends on the level and how long you're exposed. The EPA legal limit (MCL) for Lead is 15 ppb, but health-based goals (EPA MCLG / WHO) are often stricter, at 0 ppb. Meeting the legal limit isn't the same as zero risk — test your water to know your level.
How do you remove Lead from water?
Lead is treated by Reverse Osmosis and Whole-House Carbon Filter. Choose a system independently certified to NSF/ANSI standards to reduce Lead, and test your water first to confirm the level.
Source: EPA MCL / MCLG; WHO guidelines; NSF/ANSI · 2026
Health effects
Lead rarely originates at the treatment plant; it leaches from older service lines, solder, and brass fixtures. There is no safe level of lead, and it is especially damaging to the brain development of children. The federal value is an action level rather than a health-based limit.
The health-based goal vs. the legal limit
The federal legal limit (MCL) is the maximum allowed by law. The health-based goal (EPA MCLG / WHO) is a health target — it is often stricter than the legal limit, and it is not itself a legal limit.
Health-based goal (EPA MCLG / WHO)
0 ppb
Federal legal limit (MCL)
15 ppb
Source: EPA MCL / MCLG; WHO guidelines · 2026
Not affiliated with or endorsed by EWG.
What removes Lead
Semipermeable membrane filtration
Reverse Osmosis
Pushes water through a fine membrane that removes the dissolved solids most filters miss.
Look for: NSF/ANSI 58 certification
How it works→Activated carbon adsorption
Whole-House Carbon Filter
A point-of-entry carbon bed that strips chlorine, chloramine, and chemical taste from every tap.
Look for: NSF/ANSI 42 certification
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Is Lead in your water?
Check your city's public record, then book a free 30-minute test to confirm what's in your home.