Lead in drinking water is a serious health issue. Even small amounts of lead can harm your entire body, especially for children and pregnant women. Lead usually enters water through old pipes, faucets, or home plumbing systems. It is not easy to see and taste lead in water, so filtering lead is important to keep your family safe.
Thankfully, there are several effective methods to remove lead from drinking water. Each method is easy to follow and can make sure that your water is safe to drink.
In this blog post, we will cover step-by-step methods to filter lead from your water.
Different Methods to Filter Lead From Drinking Water
Lead in drinking water is dangerous, and we can’t ignore it. It can cause some serious health problems, but the good news is that we can effectively remove it with the right methods. Here are five effective methods to filter lead from drinking water.
Using a Faucet-Mounted Filter:
A faucet-mounted filter is an easy and affordable method to effectively remove lead from drinking water. These filters are attached directly to your home tap and filter the water as it passes.
Step-by-Step Procedure:
- Buy a Certified Filter: Look for a filter labeled “NSF-Certified for lead removal”. This makes sure that it works effectively in removing lead from water.
- Install the Filter: Follow the instructions in the manual. Usually, you screw it onto your home tap.
- Run Water Through the Filter: Turn on the home tap and let the filter do its job. The water coming out from the filter will be completely clean and free from lead.
- Replace the Filter cartridge: Over time, the filter gathers dirt and stops working well. So it is essential to replace the filter cartridge as recommended, usually every 3 to 6 months.
Using a Reverse Osmosis System:
A reverse osmosis system is a powerful method to remove lead and many other harmful contaminants from water. It uses a special membrane to filter water, giving you clean and safe water to drink.
Step-by-Step Procedure:
- Buy an RO System: Purchase an RO system first. You can find these systems online or at stores. It is important to make sure that the RO system is also certified for lead removal.
- Install the System: Most reverse osmosis systems go under the sink. So, you might require a professional plumber for proper installation.
- Run the System: When you turn on the home tap, the water passes through multiple filters and a special membrane, removing lead and other harmful impurities.
- Maintain the System: Change filters and the membrane as per the manufacturer’s instructions to keep the RO system working properly.
Using a Water Pitcher with a Lead Filter:
Water filter pitchers are convenient and easy to use. They have a built-in filter that effectively removes lead and other harmful substances from drinking water.
Step-by-Step Procedure:
- Purchase a Certified Filter: Choose a pitcher designed specifically for lead removal. Always purchase a filter that is certified for lead removal.
- Assemble the Pitcher: Follow the instructions to set up the pitcher and insert the filter cartridges.
- Pour Water into Pitcher: First, fill the top reservoir with home tap water. The tap water passes through the filter and gathers all the dirt and substances in the bottom chamber, giving you clean water.
- Replace the Filter: Like other filters, this filter also needs regular replacement. Check the instructions to know when to replace it, usually every 1 to 2 months.
Replacing Old Plumbing or Pipes:
Lead usually enters the home water through old pipes or plumbing. Replacing them is a long-term solution to effectively remove lead from drinking water.
Step-by-Step Procedure:
- Check for Lead Pipes: Look at your home plumbing system. Lead pipes are usually dull gray and soft. So if you are unsure about it, then simply hire a plumber to inspect.
- Replace Lead Pipes: Work with a professional plumber and replace the lead pipes, fittings, or fixtures in your home.
- Install a Point-of-Use Filter: While waiting for the lead pipes to be replaced, use a filter such as a faucet-mounted or pitcher filter to keep your home water safe to drink.
- Flush your System: After successfully replacing the lead pipes, flush your entire water system by running all the home taps for a few minutes to clear out any remaining particles.
Distillation:
Distillation is also an effective method to remove lead from drinking water by turning water into steam and then condensing it back into liquid form. Since lead does not evaporate with water, it gets left behind.
Step-by-Step Procedure:
- Get a Water Distiller: Buy a home water distillation unit. These systems are available online or at stores.
- Fill the Distiller: Pour home tap water into the boiling chamber of the distiller.
- Start the Distillation Process: Turn on the system. It will heat the water, turning it into steam. The steam then cools and condenses back into the liquid form, collecting in a separate chamber.
- Collect Distilled Water: Once the process is complete, the distilled water will be ready for use.
- Clean the Distiller: Regularly clean the boiling chamber to remove any dirt or particles, including lead and other substances left behind.
Conclusion:
Keeping your drinking water free from lead is crucial for your overall health. There are many methods to filter the lead, from using faucet-mounted filters and pitchers to advanced options such as reverse osmosis systems and distillation. You can even fix the problem by replacing old home pipes.
Each method is effective in its own way, so choose one that works best for you. Clean and safe water is essential for a healthy life, so take steps today to protect yourself and your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is lead?
Lead is a highly toxic contaminant usually found in tap water. Continuous exposure to this heavy metal can lead to severe health consequences.
Can boiling water remove lead?
No, boiling water does not eliminate lead. Boiling only kills bacteria, and a few parasites, so it isn’t that much effective.
