Frequently Asked Questions for LSLR

Lead in Drinking Water

What kind of treatment should I use to remove lead from drinking water?

There are different types of devices you can use. You can learn more about water treatment options on the MDH webpage at Home Water Treatment. EPA has a tool for identifying filters that are certified to reduce lead on their page, A Consumer Tool for Identifying Point of Use (POU) Drinking Water Filters Certified to Reduce Lead (PDF).

Make sure any device you choose is certified with NSF/ANSI Standard 53 along with a claim of lead reduction. We recommend that you also look for filters tested against NSF/ANSI Standard 42 for particulate reduction (Class I).

Why can hot water have higher lead levels than cold water?

Hot water releases more lead from pipes than cold water. Hot water is more likely to corrode pipes and allow lead and other metals to get into the water. Use cold water for cooking and food preparation and heat it up if you need it to be hot.

What are the action levels for schools and for community water systems?

New legislation requires schools and child cares to remediate when lead is 5 parts per billion or more. Schools and child care centers must test all locations in their buildings. The standard is different in a school or child care setting than for public water systems.

Currently, public water systems are required to conduct public education and reevaluate treatment when lead is above 15 parts per billion (ppb) in more than 10% of their compliance monitoring samples. Water systems are required to test in homes most likely to have lead plumbing materials such as lead service line or lead solder. The 15 parts per billion action level will be dropping to 10 parts per billion due to new federal requirements just announced in the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements.

You can look up results for public water systems and see if your water system has any violations by checking the Consumer Confidence Reports.

Have schools been tested for lead? Where are their results posted?

Minnesota required public and charter schools to begin testing for lead in 2018. All public and charter schools should have at least one round of testing results. They must make these results available if asked. Most schools will post results on the web and send home a notification about how to access the results.

In 2023, legislation was passed that will require child care centers to begin testing for lead in 2024. This legislation also required both public /charter schools and child care centers to begin reporting results to MDH by July 2024. MDH is in the process of creating a tool to share results with the public in a one-stop-shop. Until then, ask your school or child care for a copy of the results.

Do kids get their blood lead levels tested?

For more information, see Blood Lead Level Guidelines. If you are concerned that a child has been exposed to lead, contact their primary health care provider to request a blood lead test. 

When there is a lead action level exceedance, are pediatricians and other health care professionals notified?

Yes, as part of the required public education, public and private hospitals and medical clinics are notified. Learn about public education requirements at Lead Public Education Program Instruction Sheet-Packet A (PDF).

What is lead, and what are its health risks? 

Lead is a poisonous metal that can cause long-term health and behavioral problems. There is no safe level of lead. Babies, children under six years, and pregnant women are at the highest risk. For more information, see Lead in Drinking Water.

What can residents do to reduce lead exposure? 

There are several actions Minnesotans can do to reduce their exposure to lead in water. 

• Let the water run before using it for drinking or cooking. 
• Use cold water for drinking, making food, and making baby formula. 
• Test your water. 
• Treat your water if a test shows high levels of lead after letting the water run.

Saint Paul residents can also see if their property has a lead service line at Lead Free SPRWS. 
For more information, see Let it run… and get the lead out!  

Should I get my lead service line removed now, or wait a few years until my water system can remove it?  

Everyone has their own individual perception and acceptance of levels of risk. Some people may be comfortable following the best practices such as lettings the water run, cleaning aerators or using a water filter to reduce exposure to lead. These practices can reduce lead levels to non-detectable levels in most cases and a lead test can verify if the steps are working. Others may not be comfortable with any sources of lead in their home and choose to take their services out as soon as possible. It is important to think about all sources of lead in the home and reduce lead from the sources that cause the highest risk of exposure first. Typically lead paint and dust cause the highest amount of risk of lead poisoning.

Are the lead joints on the watermain removed during lead service line replacement?

Yes, lead joints will be replaced as well as lead service lines during line replacement.

More information about lead prevention and exposure can be found at Lead.