On this page, you will find more information about the sources and health effects of the metals that were analyzed in water samples, as well as recommended actions to reduce exposure to these metals.
Where do metals come from?
Lead can potentially get into the water from the piping on the way to your house, the connection to your property, and your home’s plumbing, faucet fixtures or solder. Lead levels can vary based on water chemistry, piping/ plumbing materials, water use, building age, and more.
Other metals can be naturally occurring in groundwater or used in water treatment, industrial, or manufacturing processes.
What are the potential health effects of metals exposure?
Health effects from lead exposure are irreversible, lifelong, and cumulative as exposure continues. These may include issues with hearing, speech, the brain and central nervous system, growth, and development. Learning and behavior issues include lower IQ, decreased ability to pay attention, and underperformance in school. In adults, lead exposure can cause kidney problems and high blood pressure.
Other metals can alter the color and taste of water. Health effects of other metals can include gastrointestinal, respiratory, and cardiovascular issues. Metals such as arsenic and cadmium can be carcinogenic with long term exposure. Metals can also cause damage to the stomach, liver, kidney, intestines, and brain.
Some metals in water are normal and can even be beneficial, but at high concentrations can impact health. This is known as hormesis, a biological response mechanism where low-dose amounts of environmental agents have a beneficial effect and high-dose amounts can be toxic. Click here for more info.
What do my results mean?
We analyzed the water in homes and child care centers for 16 metals: Aluminum, Antimony, Arsenic, Barium, Beryllium, Boron, Cadmium, Chromium, Copper, Lead, Iron, Manganese, Nickel, Selenium, Thallium, and Zinc. We measure metals in parts per billion (ppb). 1 ppb is like one drop of ink in a tanker truck full of water.
The state action level for lead in North Carolina is 10 ppb. Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) or maximum contaminant level goal (MCLG) for metals regulated in the United States, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWR) are shown for antimony, arsenic, barium, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, copper, selenium, and thallium. Additional metals have non-health-based taste or odor limits implemented through the National Secondary Drinking Water Regulations (NSDWR) and are noted for aluminum, iron, manganese, and zinc. Otherwise, World Health Organization (WHO) guideline values are shown for boron and nickel.
How do I reduce the potential for exposure?
There is no safe level of lead exposure. Based on your water's lead level, you can use the following guidance to reduce exposure to lead in water.
Lead not detected above detection limit (0.1 ppb)
If you will use this water for any drinking or cooking, we recommend no-cost clean water habits as an easy way to reduce or eliminate exposure to lead in drinking water.
- Designate taps: Designate taps used for drinking and cooking. Place designated use signs and teach children to understand which taps are for consumption or other purposes (e.g., handwashing).
- Keep it cold: Use only cold water for drinking, cooking, or infant formula.
- Clean the faucet: Remove and rinse loose debris from faucet strainers/aerators regularly.
Lead detected at or below 10 ppb
If you will use this water for any drinking or cooking, we recommend low-cost risk mitigation measures to minimize exposure to lead. The goal for lead exposure is 0.
- Install and maintain certified water filters: Install a water filter certified to remove lead at the point-of-use for drinking and cooking taps. Ensure that the filter is maintained and replaced following manufacturer specifications. Click here for guidance on choosing a water filter.
- Replace faucet fixtures: Sometimes the faucet fixture is the source of lead. Hiring a plumber to change a faucet fixture to a non-brass/non-chrome (stainless steel for example) fixture may reduce or eliminate lead.
- Fix clogs: If you have obstruction in the pipes supplying the tap, have a plumber fix the clog to reduce lead particulate that may enter the water.
- Let it run: Let cold water run from the tap for 1–5 minutes prior to use for drinking or cooking, after periods of inactivity (e.g., in the morning, after vacations).
- Use lead-free products for drinking and eating: Use lead-free cups and dishware for drinking and eating. In addition, practice no-cost clean water habits.
- Keep it cold: Use only cold water for drinking, cooking, or infant formula.
- Clean the faucet: Remove and rinse loose debris from faucet strainers/aerators regularly.
Lead detected at or above 10 ppb
If you will use this water for any drinking or cooking, we STRONGLY recommend you use the low-cost solutions noted below, along with these recommended actions.
- Do not use water source: Immediately stop use at the problem tap for drinking or cooking. Post “Do Not Use” signage and cover the tap in tape so it cannot be turned on.
- Provide alternate drinking water sources: Use water from another tap designated as clean for drinking and cooking or purchase bottled water until the source of lead is addressed.
- Check to see if you have a lead service line: Click here for a flyer that will walk you through the process. This flyer will walk you through the process.
- Low-cost solutions:
- Install and maintain certified water filters: Install a water filter certified to remove lead at the point-of-use for drinking and cooking taps. Ensure that the filter is maintained and replaced following manufacturer specifications. Click here for guidance on choosing a water filter.
- Replace faucet fixtures: Sometimes the faucet fixture is the source of lead. Hiring a plumber to change a faucet fixture to a non-brass/non-chrome (stainless steel for example) fixture may reduce or eliminate lead.
- Fix clogs: If you have obstruction in the pipes supplying the tap, have a plumber fix the clog to reduce lead particulate that may enter the water.
- Let it run: Let cold water run from the tap for 1–5 minutes prior to use for drinking or cooking, after periods of inactivity (e.g., in the morning, after vacations).
- Use lead-free products for drinking and eating: Use lead-free cups and dishware for drinking and eating.
- In addition, practice no-cost clean water habits:
- Keep it cold: Use only cold water for drinking, cooking, or infant formula.
- Clean the faucet: Remove and rinse loose debris from faucet strainers/aerators regularly.