A Laboratory Study of the Leaching of Lead From Water Faucets

Abstract

Twelve faucets, representing various designs, materials of construction, and manufacturers, were studied in the laboratory to develop additional information about the leaching of lead and other metals from common kitchen faucets. It was found that new cast‐brass faucets could contribute lead to drinking water in excess of the proposed no action level of 10 μg/L. Also, 60–75 percent of the lead leached from a faucet appeared in the first 125 mL of water collected from the faucet. After 200–250 mL of water had flowed, 95 percent or more of the lead had normally been flushed from the faucet. Determining the maximum lead concentration from a faucet requires that both cold and hot water sides of the faucet be sampled and that the samples be no larger than 100–125 mL.

Leachability of Lead from Selected Copper-Base Alloys

“…In 1988, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed a new regulation for controlling the concentration of lead and copper in drinking water. 6 The proposed action limits were 0.005 mg/L for lead and 1.3 mg/L for copper, as measured at the tap. These have recently been changed 17 to 0.015 mg/L for lead and 1.3 mg/L for copper.…”

“…Most studies [5][6][7][8][9][10][11] have reported no enhanced leaching of metals such as Pb, Cu, Zn, Cr, and Cd from water distribution system components. These have involved studies of the leaching of lead from brass water faucets, 5,6 from lead solder, 7,8 from lead pipe, 7,9 and from brass fittings.…”

“…Most studies [5][6][7][8][9][10][11] have reported no enhanced leaching of metals such as Pb, Cu, Zn, Cr, and Cd from water distribution system components. These have involved studies of the leaching of lead from brass water faucets, 5,6 from lead solder, 7,8 from lead pipe, 7,9 and from brass fittings. 10,11 In a study 5 of kitchen faucets, however, the concentration of Cu, Zn, Cr, and Cd was not ENGINEERING significant when compared to the maximum permissible limit in drinking water.…”

“…It is believed that the principal sources of lead in drinking water within the water distribution system are lead solder, lead service pipe, and brass fittings and faucets. 6 The purpose of this study was to systematically investigate the leaching of Pb from various copperbased alloys used in the plumbing industry. This study involved 11 different alloys that were exposed to nearly neutral pH high-purity water.…”

Impact of household plumbing fixtures on drinking water quality — a review

“…The amounts of metal leached from various components of the water distribution system are usually highest in the first flush samples and thereafter decrease with the volume of water flushed through the faucet [5,[35][36][37]. Thus, by the time 200-250 ml.…”