What can I do to reduce lead in my water?

If your home has lead pipes there are short-term measures you can take to reduce the amount of lead in your water. Run the tap to remove water that has been standing in the pipes for long periods, for example, overnight, or if no one has run the taps for several hours. Draw off a washing-up bowlful of water from the kitchen tap once or twice to clear the water which has been standing. This doesn’t need to be wasted, but can be used to water plants or the garden.

In the long term, replacing the pipes is the best solution and you can discuss this with your water company as they may be able to co-ordinate this with replacing their section of the pipe.

One thing to remember - your existing lead supply pipe may have been used for electrical earthing, even though this has not been allowed for new installations since 1966. So, if you alter or replace your lead pipework you may also need to get advice from your electricity supply company or an approved electrical contractor.