Lead in Plumbing or Service Lines

Older plumbing usually has more lead. Lead can be found in older privately‐owned pipes, faucets, fittings, fixtures, and service lines. Over the years, the use of lead in plumbing decreased because of changes to common practices and laws. Plumbing materials manufactured in 2014 or after are considered lead‐free by today’s standards. Lincoln Water System records show that solid lead pipes were often used in constructing water service pipes to homes and businesses prior to 1940. While used much less frequently, solid lead pipes can still be found in plumbing system installed through 1950. Some of these lead pipes have been replaced by property owners over the years, but many still exist today.

Hot water can have higher levels of lead if you have lead in your plumbing. If there is lead in your plumbing, water from the hot‐side of the faucet can contain more lead than the cold water. The higher temperature makes it easier for lead to dissolve from the plumbing into the water. Lead from plumbing can also accumulate inside the water heater. Do not drink, cook, or prepare baby formula with water from the hot‐side of the faucet. It is safe to use hot water for other uses.