Health impacts of lead

Exposure to lead can cause serious health effects in all age groups. Infants and children who drink water containing lead could have decreases in IQ and attention span and increases in learning and behavioral problems. Lead exposure among women who are pregnant increases prenatal risks. Lead exposure among women who later become pregnant has similar risks if lead stored in the mother's bones is released during pregnancy. Recent science suggests that adults who drink water containing lead have increased risks of hearts disease, high blood pressure, kidney or nervous system problems. 

 

Where does lead in water come from?

Lead is not found in Leicester's source water. Lead can be present in the service lines connecting homes to water mains and in brass fixtures, faucets, and solder in copper plumbing. these items can pass lead into the water you use for drinking and cooking. The video below was developed by the American Water Works Association to explain how lead can get into drinking water and what you can do to protect your household.

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