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Last Updated: Aug 29, 2019
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Dr. Sajeev KumarCardiologist • 39 Years Exp.M.B.B.S, C.S.C, D.C.H
SAFE WATER DRINKING- FACTS FOR HEALTHY LIVING

1. Lead in drinking water is absorbed more completely than lead in food

2. It account for more than 50 percent of the lead that is ingested by children

3. Municipal water supplies are controlled and regulated to prevent contamination at the source

4. However, once the water reaches the home, it is rarely regulated, tested, or treated.

5. EPA action level for lead in water is 15 parts per billion (ppb).

6. Most lead-contamination of household water is caused by copper plumbing that is joined with lead solder

7. Lead pipes may contribute to lead-contamination, but lead plumbing usually is old enough to have its inner surface coated with mineral deposits, which prevent leaching of lead into the water supply.

8. Other potential sources for lead contamination include storage cisterns, sources of water that are outside the municipal water districts, and aging water coolers and water heaters, particularly in areas where the water has a relatively low pH

9. Acidity and elevated temperature increase the ability of the water to leach lead from the solder or pipes, as does standing in the pipes for extended periods of time (eg, overnight).

10. The ability of home water filters or purifiers to remove lead depends upon the type of filter. Ion-exchange, reverse-osmosis filters, and distillation are effective in removing lead, but the most commonly available home filters (glass fiber and carbon) usually include packaging material that specifies that they do not efficiently remove heavy metals.Water to be used for cooking or drinking should come from the cold tap because hot water is more able to leach lead from the pipes. In addition, the water should be run for some time before it is collected; this flushes the water that has a higher lead content (caused by standing in the pipes) down the drain