How to Safely Filter Out Lead From Water

Ensuring access to clean water is fundamental for human health, yet the presence of lead poses a significant threat. In this blog, we’ll explore crucial insights and practical solutions to safely filter out lead from your water supply.

With an understanding of the risks associated with lead exposure and its prevalence in water sources,  you can implement effective filtration methods and ensure access to safe drinking water for you and your loved ones. 

What is lead and how does it end up in our drinking water?

Lead, a toxic heavy metal, is a persistent environmental pollutant harmful to human health even at low levels. It is typically introduced into drinking water through ageing infrastructure and leaches into the water supply. This contamination occurs due to erosion or corrosion of materials containing lead, which is commonly found in older homes or public water systems. Industrial activities, such as mining and manufacturing, also contribute to environmental lead pollution. 

Why Is lead bad for your health?

Lead exposure poses a significant health hazard. The human body mistakenly absorbs lead, mistaking it for an essential mineral, and distributes it to the bones and organs, thus affecting almost every system in the body.

Children are most vulnerable to the effects of lead, as it impacts their developing brains and nervous systems, potentially causing learning disabilities, behavioural problems, and impaired growth. Pregnant women exposed to lead can experience miscarriages, premature births, or serious harm to their foetus.

In otherwise healthy adults, lead exposure may lead to increased blood pressure, kidney problems, and reproductive issues. It can also have an effect on cardiovascular health, potentially causing heart disease and strokes. 

Symptoms of lead poisoning include abdominal pain, headaches, memory loss, and fatigue. Long-term exposure can cause damage to vital organs and the nervous system.

How to test for lead in your water at home

Home testing for lead in your water is a proactive measure to ensure the health and safety of you and your family. You can use a home testing kit to detect lead levels simply and affordably.

Once you’ve chosen your home testing kit, you’ll need to collect water samples according to the kit's instructions and follow the guidelines to analyse the samples. Some kits may require sending samples to a laboratory for comprehensive analysis. 

Regular testing, especially in homes with older plumbing systems, may also be required to mitigate lead exposure risks.

How to filter the lead out of your drinking supply?

Water filters are a reliable and effective solution to remove lead from your drinking supply, with several types of filters designed specifically to tackle lead contamination. But exactly how can a filter remove lead from water?

• Activated carbon filters, commonly found in pitcher-style or faucet-mounted filters, work by trapping lead particles as water passes through the porous carbon material. 
• Reverse osmosis systems use a semipermeable membrane to block contaminants, including lead ions, from passing through.

• Point-of-use filters, certified by NSF International for lead removal, offer validated effectiveness, providing assurance of their ability to reduce lead to safe levels. Regular maintenance and replacement of their cartridges per manufacturer recommendations are essential to maintain optimal performance.

Remove lead from your home with Aquasafe’s water filters

Discover a reliable solution to eliminate lead from your home's water supply with Aquasafe's specialised filters. Explore our range today, and take a proactive step towards a healthier lifestyle by investing in whole-house water filters.