More than 30 million homes in the United States still have lead pipes, according to a 2021 report by the American Water Works Association (AWWA). That's a staggering number, especially when you consider the severe health consequences of lead exposure, even at low levels. If you're a renter, this statistic can be particularly concerning. You don't own the property, so you can't just rip out the pipes and replace them. But you're not powerless. There are concrete steps you can take to understand your risk and protect your household from lead in your drinking water.
Lead is a toxic metal that can be harmful to human health even at low exposure levels. Unlike some contaminants, lead doesn't have a smell, taste, or color in water, making it incredibly difficult to detect without proper testing. Once lead enters the body, it can affect nearly every organ system. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states unequivocally that there is no safe lead level in children. Even low levels of lead in blood have been shown to affect IQ, ability to pay attention, and academic achievement. For adults, lead exposure can cause kidney damage, nervous system problems, high blood pressure, and reproductive issues, among other concerns, as detailed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Lead exposure is an issue that disproportionately affects low-income communities and communities of color, a point highlighted in numerous studies, including research published in the Journal of Public Health Management and Practice in 2017. Older housing stock, which is more likely to contain lead plumbing, is often found in these communities, exacerbating existing health disparities.
When we talk about lead in drinking water, most people immediately think of lead service lines – the pipes that connect the municipal water main to your home. And for good reason. These are often the biggest culprit. However, lead can also leach into your water from other sources within your rental unit. Older homes, especially those built before 1986, are more likely to have lead-based solder used to join copper pipes, and even brass faucets and fixtures can contain lead. The Safe Drinking Water Act amendments of 1986 and 1996 significantly reduced the allowable lead content in plumbing materials, but older homes are exempt from these regulations unless plumbing is replaced.
According to the EPA, approximately 6 to 10 million lead service lines remain in use across the country. Beyond service lines, internal plumbing can be a significant source. A 2019 study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that lead-containing brass fittings and faucets could contribute significantly to lead levels in drinking water, especially when water has been stagnant for several hours.
The age of your rental property is your first clue. If your home was built before 1986, there’s a higher probability of lead plumbing components. If it was built before the 1950s, the chances of having a lead service line are even greater. Don’t stop at a guess, though. Two records can turn a hunch into an answer, and you're entitled to check both: ask your landlord for the property's plumbing and service-line history, and ask your water utility whether your address is served by a lead line. Many utilities now publish a lead service line inventory online, a requirement that expanded under the EPA's 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Improvements.
You can't re-pipe a home you don't own, but you have more control than you'd think. Work through these in order.
Landlord obligations vary by state and city, but the implied warranty of habitability, which exists in most states, generally requires rentals to have safe, potable water. Some cities go further with lead-specific disclosure and remediation rules. If a landlord ignores a documented lead problem, your local health department or housing authority can inspect and, in some cases, compel action. Federal law also requires landlords to disclose known lead-based paint in pre-1978 housing, a related hazard worth asking about. You don't have to own the building to insist the water in it is safe to drink.
You can ask, and a written request backed by a positive water test carries the most weight. Landlords aren't always required to replace a service line on demand, but most states require rentals to provide safe drinking water, and a documented hazard can trigger that obligation. Your local health department can help if the landlord won't act.
Filter and flush. Use a faucet or pitcher filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53, run the cold tap before drinking after water has been sitting, and use only cold water for cooking and formula. None of these require touching the plumbing.
Ask your water utility, which increasingly publishes a searchable lead service line inventory, and ask your landlord for the property's plumbing records. The age of the building is a strong hint: pre-1986 raises the odds, and pre-1950 raises them further.
It works as a stopgap, but a certified filter is cheaper over time and more reliable, since not all bottled water is tested for lead. Reserve bottled water for situations where you can't filter, like a temporary boil or lead advisory.
Check your water quality by zip code to check for lead and other contaminants in your area. Find water filters that remove PFAS – many of the same systems that remove PFAS also handle lead. Get a detailed water quality report to see exactly what's been detected in your water supply.
Check your water now. Enter your zip code at KnowYourExposure.com to see what contaminants have been detected in your local water supply – including PFAS, lead, and other regulated compounds.