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Water Quality
Lead
Seattle’s drinking water sources do not contain lead. However, lead can leach into water from home plumbing systems built with lead-based solder, brass fixtures, or some types of zinc coatings used on galvanized pipes and fittings.
Determine if your home is high risk
The majority of homes have some risk of lead contamination in water that sits in pipes for longer than 2 hours. Where you live, when your plumbing was installed and what type of plumbing you have, all play a part in determining your potential exposure level.
The Environmental Protection Agency has classified residential homes built or renovated with copper pipe and tin-lead solder just prior to 1980 in the City of Seattle or 1985 in King County as "High Risk" for elevated lead levels. Homes plumbed with copper after these bans should have been plumbed with tin-antimony (instead of tin-lead) solder.
Many homes in King County built prior to 1958 have galvanized plumbing. Between 1958 and 1965, both galvanized iron and copper piping were frequently used. After 1965, and prior to the 1980 or 1985 bans, copper piping was most commonly used.
Reduce your lead exposure
There are also a few simple steps you can take in the home to reduce the risk of lead in your drinking water:
- • If water has been standing in pipes for over 2 hours, flush out the pipes by running the tap until you feel a temperature change before using for drinking or cooking, usually two or three minutes. To save water, use the water you flush out for watering plants or doing dishes.
- • Always draw drinking and cooking water from COLD water tap -- lead dissolves more quickly in hot water.
- • Never make baby formula or other drinks or food for children from the HOT water tap. Start with water taken from the cold water faucet (after flushing) and warm it if necessary;
- • If you are making plumbing changes, be sure to select low-lead or no-lead fixtures.
Have your home drinking water tested
Seattle Public Utilities’ Water Quality Laboratory is not set up to test high volumes of residential samples for lead. To have your home tested, contact a certified lab near your area. The Washington State Department of Ecology is responsible for certifying labs in Washington. The Department of Ecology web site lists labs certified to test drinking water (see link listed below). Analysis costs range from $25 to $50. Please contact the laboratories directly for sample collection procedures and prices.
Related links
What Seattle Public Utilities is Doing to Lower Your Exposure to Lead
Glossary of Drinking Water Terms
Links to other sites
Water Quality Association
Washington State Health Department: Drinking Water
Washington State Department of Ecology
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