Health information, not medical advice. Guidance differs for infants, pregnancy, and existing conditions. Test your own water and speak to a doctor or your local health authority. We may earn a commission when you buy through our links; it never affects our scores.
The short answer
Lead in drinking water usually comes from the pipes, solder, and faucets between the water main and your tap, not from the treatment plant. The EPA has set its health goal for lead at zero, and boiling doesn’t remove it. The only sure way to know is to test. To reduce it, use a filter certified for lead under NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 by NSF International, IAPMO R&T, or WQA. Our picks are in the best water filters for lead.
Where does lead in drinking water come from?
The EPA says lead enters drinking water when plumbing materials that contain lead corrode, especially in water that is acidic or low in minerals. In homes with a lead service line, the pipe connecting the house to the main, that line is typically the most significant source. In homes without one, the most common problem is brass or chrome-plated brass faucets and plumbing joined with lead solder. Lead pipes are more likely in older cities and in homes built before 1986.
The EPA estimates there are about 4 million lead service lines in the US. Because the source is the plumbing, lead levels can differ from one house to the next on the same street.
Why does lead in water matter?
The World Health Organization says there is no level of exposure to lead that is known to be without harmful effects, and the EPA says there is no known safe level of lead in a child’s blood.
- Children: Low levels of exposure have been linked to damage to the central and peripheral nervous system, learning disabilities, shorter stature, and impaired hearing.
- Pregnancy: Lead can cross the placenta, and exposure during pregnancy can cause reduced fetal growth and preterm birth.
- Infants on formula: Those fed formula made with lead-contaminated tap water may be at higher risk. See the best water for baby formula.
- Adults: Higher risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular problems, and kidney damage.
How do you know if your water has lead?
Testing is the only sure way, according to the EPA, and a test typically costs $20 to $100. Your state or local health department can list certified labs, and the CDC notes that many public water systems will test for residents on request. Ask your utility whether its service line inventory shows a lead line at your address. Anywhere in the US, you can check your utility’s lead results, though only a test at your tap shows your own level.
What can you do while you wait for results?
- Use cold water for drinking, cooking, and formula.
- Don’t rely on boiling. Boiling doesn’t remove lead.
- Showering and bathing are fine. The CDC says human skin doesn’t absorb lead in water.
- Use a certified filter for drinking and cooking water.
Where do the lead rules stand in 2026?
The EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Improvements took effect on December 30, 2024. Water systems must comply by November 1, 2027. From then:
- The lead action level drops from 15 to 10 parts per billion.
- Systems must replace lead service lines within 10 years of the compliance date.
- Sampling changes: Systems take a first-liter and a fifth-liter sample and use the higher result.
An action level isn’t a safe level. It’s the point at which a water system must take extra steps such as treatment and public education.
Which filters are certified for lead?
Every filter below is certified for lead reduction, including the Culligan MaxClear, a gravity filter certified by IAPMO R&T for lead and Total PFAS that needs no power or plumbing. The full comparison of eight picks is in our lead filter guide.
| # | Filter | Score | Certified by | Lead | PFAS | Fluoride | Running cost | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | AquaTru CarafeBest overallCountertop RO | 4.6 | IAPMO R&T | Certified | Certified | Certified | $0.33/gal | See priceon Amazon › |
| 02 | Aquasana Claryum Max FlowBest under-sink, no wastewaterUnder-sink carbon | 4.3 | WQA | Certified | Certified | No | $0.11/gal | $449.99on Amazon › |
| 03 | Waterdrop G3P800Best under-sink ROUnder-sink RO | 4.3 | IAPMO R&T | Certified | Certified | Certified | About $160/yr | $759.00on Amazon › |
| 04 | Culligan ZeroWaterBest pitcher, adds fluoridePitcher | 4.2 | IAPMO R&T | Certified | Certified | Certified | $0.68 to $0.93/gal | See priceat Culligan › |
| 05 | Brita EliteLow running costPitcher | 4.1 | IAPMO, WQA, NSF | Certified | Claim | No | $0.14/gal | $47.99on Amazon › |
| 06 | Culligan MaxClear VentureNo power or plumbingGravity | 3.6 | IAPMO R&T | Certified | Certified | No | $1.58/gal | See priceat Culligan › |
Certified: Certified by an independent body (named in each pick). Lab test: Tested by a named independent lab, not certified. Claim: The maker's claim, not certified. No: No claim. PFAS means PFOA/PFOS, or Total PFAS where the pick says so.
Common questions
Does boiling water remove lead?
No. The EPA and CDC both say boiling doesn’t remove lead. Use a filter certified for lead under NSF/ANSI 53 or 58.
Is it safe to shower in water with lead?
Yes, according to the CDC: Human skin doesn’t absorb lead in water. The concern is water you drink and cook with.
How do I know if I have lead pipes?
Ask your water utility about its service line inventory, and check your home’s age: Lead pipes are more likely in homes built before 1986. A licensed plumber can inspect the line where it enters the house.
Does a Brita filter remove lead?
The Brita Elite filter is certified for lead in most Brita pitchers. The standard Brita filter isn’t. See what a Brita filters out.
What is the lead action level?
15 parts per billion today, dropping to 10 ppb on November 1, 2027 under the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements. The health goal is zero.
Sources
Prices as of October 19, 2026. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.