Lead is one of the most dangerous water contaminants. There is no known safe level of lead. That’s why the EPA has set the maximum contaminant level goal at zero.
Health Effects of Lead in Water
Even low exposure to lead can cause development problems in fetuses, infants and children, leading to learning impairments, damage to the central nervous system, and hearing problems.
In adults, lead poisoning can lead to kidney damage and high blood pressure.
What makes lead in drinking water particularly bad is that the lead accumulates in the body over time. It persists in the bones and teeth over years, causing repeated exposure and resulting in lead poisoning.
The only time lead in water presents a low risk of health effects is when you shower or bathe with water containing lead. The skin cannot absorb lead found in water, this it cannot get into your body.
But, kids being kids, they'll likely end up drinking some of the bath water. So you don't want to take any risks especially when it comes to children.
Where Does Lead in Water Come From?
Lead does not occur naturally in water.
The most common source of lead in water is plumbing made from lead. If your city has lead service lines, such as was the case in Flint, Michigan, lead can leach from the pipes into the water.
Your home may also have lead plumbing, especially if it was built before the 1950s.
Even modern homes can have lead in their plumbing, usually lead solder or brass faucets.
If you get your water from a well, the water itself doesn't contain any lead while it's in the well. But if the plumbing taking water from the well to your home contains lead, you may be using lead-contaminanated water.
Whether you use well or city water, it is essential to have your water tested for lead.
The Best Ways to Remove Lead from Water
Before you start looking for a way to remove lead from water, make sure it’s there. Send a sample of your water to a certified lab for lead testing.
If there is lead in the water, the best way to protect yourself and your family is to find the source of lead and eliminate it.
Ask a plumber to check if your home has any lead pipes and fittings. If it does, replace them with safer materials such as copper, brass, iron, and plastic.
If the problem is with your city’s plumbing (you can call your utility and ask them what kind of plumbing they use), there’s nothing much you can do about it, at least in the short term.
In either case, it’s important that you immediately install a filter to remove lead from your water.
There are several effective methods to remove lead from water.
Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis is one of the most effective ways to filter out lead from drinking water. Most RO systems can remove over 99% of lead using a semi-permeable membrane.
Most RO systems go under the sink, but you can find a few countertops, and whole house reverses osmosis water filters.
The main downside of reverse osmosis is water wastage. Most RO systems waste 1-3 gallons of water for every gallon of purified water.
Distillation
This is another highly effective way to remove most of the lead in water.
It works by heating water and then collecting the water vapor and condensing it back to the water. Lead and other impurities are left behind in a concentrated form.
While effective, distillation is not very efficient.
It requires a fair amount of power and also wastes quite a bit of water.
NSF-certified Activated Carbon Filters
Activated carbon filters typically do not remove dissolved solids such as lead, iron, and manganese.
But there are specially engineered activated carbon filters that can filter out lead. If you get an activated carbon filter, make sure it is NSF certified for the removal of lead.
Activated Alumina
Activated alumina consists of aluminum oxide. Lead has a very high affinity for aluminum oxide, meaning it easily reacts with it.
An activated alumina filter can remove most of the lead from water.
Tips to Reduce Lead Exposure
As you wait to buy and install your new lead filter, here are some ways you can reduce your family’s exposure to lead.
Note: If you suspect that you or your child have lead poisoning, call your doctor or your city’s health department to find out how you can get tested.
NSF/ANSI Certification
To make sure you are buying a good quality filter, look for lead filtration systems with NSF/ANSI 53 certification.
It’s the standard for systems that reduce contaminants with a direct health effect such as lead.
Best Lead Removal Water Filters
Best Lead Removal Water Filter Pitcher:
Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher
If you are looking for an affordable lead removal solution that doesn’t require any installation, a water filter pitcher is a great choice.
The 8-cup Aquagear water filter pitcher is one of the best for removing lead from drinking water.
Though it doesn’t have any certification, the manufacturer says it has been tested independently and exceeds NSF standards 42 and 53.
Filtration System and Performance
According to Aquagear, the water filter pitcher removes 99.9% of lead using a 5-stage filtration process. It also removes other contaminants such as fluoride (90.6%), arsenic (99.8%) and chromium 6 (99.4%).
Also, it removes contaminants that affect the taste and smell of water. These include chloramines, chlorines, and VOCs.
The main complaint from users is that the flow rate tends to go down after a few weeks of use.
Set up and Use
There’s no installation required. All you need to do is flush the filter using your faucet (check the manual for instructions) and then assemble it onto the pitcher.
Fill the upper part of the pitcher with water and then leave the filter to do its thing.
It takes a while for the filtered water to drip out from the bottom of the filter cartridge. So it’s a good idea to keep the upper part of the filter filled to make sure there’s always filtered water to drink.
When full, the pitcher holds about eight glasses of clean water.
Maintenance Requirements
The filter is good for 3-6 months after which you need to replace it.
If you notice that the flow rate has become too low after a month or two, a common complaint among users, it may be time to get a new filter.
It could be that you are drinking a lot of water or your water has more contaminants. Both situations will clog the filter quicker than usual.
Pros
Cons
Best Lead Removal Faucet Water Filter:
Waterdrop 320-Gallon Faucet Water Filter
If you want a more consistent supply of filtered water, a faucet water filter may be more to your liking.
The installation process is simple and quick. Just connect the filter to your faucet. You don’t have to do any plumbing.
Our top pick is the Waterdrop 320-gallon faucet water filter.
It was a tough choice between this and the Brita Tap Water Filter System. But the Brita faucet filter seems to have many quality issues with numerous customers complaining about leaks.
The Waterdrop filter is a couple or so dollars more expensive, but it will last longer.
Filtration System and Performance
The Waterdrop filter has a special advanced filtration layer that’s designed specifically for removing lead and fluoride.
It also contains activated carbon filter that removes 93% of chlorine and other chemicals that affect the taste and smell of water such as VOCs.
A post-filtration stage deals with small particulates such as sand, fine sediment, and rust.
A stainless steel mesh at the end of the filter captures any large particles remaining in the water.
These two filters – the post-sediment-filter and the stainless steel mesh – are also present at the top of the filter.
They remove fine and coarse particulates before the water passes through the lead and carbon filters.
Flow rate is not too bad. Filtered water flows out at a rate of 0.5 gallons per minutes.
You can fill several cups or even a large pitcher in a few minutes.
Setup and Use
Set up is easy and straightforward.
The faucet filter is compatible with most standard faucets. Just remove the aerator, choose the appropriate adapter from the ones included, and attach it to the faucet.
Add some Teflon tape to the faucet before you screw on the adaptor to prevent leaks.
Attach the filter head to the faucet adaptor and assemble the filter cartridge onto it. Flush the new cartridge, and then the water will be ready to drink.
A convenient lever on the filter allows you to switch easily between normal tap water and filtered water.
Maintenance Requirements
Each filter cartridge is good for three months or about 320 gallons. You can get a 3-pack replacement set online that will last you almost one year.
Other than filter replacement, no other maintenance is needed.
Pros
Cons
Most Affordable Under-sink Lead Water Filter:
Woder 10K-Gen3 Ultra High Capacity Direct Connect Water Filtration System
For most people, an under-sink water filter is the best solution for lead removal.
It takes a bit more time to set up, but the flow rate is better, the filters last longer, and the filter’s daily capacity is much higher than the amount of water most families need.
If you are on a budget, we recommend the Woder 10K-Gen3 water filtration system. It’s one of the few under-sink filters you can get for under $100.
It’s easy to install, and the filters last an impressive three years.
Filtration System and Performance
The manufacturer doesn’t specify what filtration media the filter uses, but it’s most likely a combination of activated carbon and activated alumina.
The Woder 10K-Gen3 removes up to 99.9% as well as other contaminants including chromium 6, various heavy metals and chlorine.
Unlike RO under-sink filtration systems, it doesn’t touch the healthy minerals in the water. So you still get your tasty mineral water.
Flow rate is pretty good at 2 gallons a minute. You won’t have to stand there forever waiting for a pitcher to fill up.
Set up and Use
The Woder 10K-Gen3 is easier and quicker to install compared to under-sink RO systems.
You just need to connect it to the 3/8” cold water valve under the sink and connect the other hose into the faucet stem.
Unlike an RO system, you don’t have to set up drainage or drill a hole for a new faucet. There’s no wasted water (so no drainage needed) and it uses the existing faucet to produce filtered water.
Maintenance Requirements
You don’t need to replace the filter for three years or about 10,000 gallons, making this one of the lowest maintenance under-sink filters.
Pros
Cons
Best Reverse Osmosis Under-sink Water Filter:
Home Master TMAFC-ERP Artesian RO system
A reverse osmosis water filter is one of the best ways of removing lead from drinking water. The semi-permeable membrane removes between 94% and 99%of lead, depending on membrane type and quality.
When it comes to RO systems, we automatically recommend the Home Master TMAFC-ERP as our top pick.
It performs great, it’s very reliable, and the quality is unmatched by most RO systems. It’s no wonder it has an almost perfect rating on Amazon.
Filtration System and Performance
The TMAFC-ERPRO filter uses multiple stages to remove a wide range of contaminants from the water.
Pre-filters filter out chlorine, sediment, and various chemicals while the semi-permeable membrane deals with the hard-to-remove impurities like lead and heavy metals.
The TMAFC-ERP system has an integrated permeate pump that reduces the amount of water wasted and increases flow rate out of the faucet.
The extra-wide fittings also increase flow rate, ensuring you don’t have to endure a trickle as is the case with most RO systems.
Set up and Use
Installing the TMAFC-ERP system under your sink is a 1-2 hour DIY project. You just need some basic plumbing skills. All the parts and fittings you need are included.
Like other RO systems, the Home Master TMAFC-ERP comes with its dedicated faucet that you have to install on your sink.
Maintenance Requirements
You don’t need to change the filters until after a year. When it’s time to put in new ones, the modular design makes replacement easy and mess-free.
Instead of removing the cartridge, you discard the entire housing and screw on a new one.
As for the membrane, it’s good for 3-5 years.
Pros
Cons
Best Countertop/Portable Reverse Osmosis Lead Water Filter:
APEC RO-CTOP-C
If you don’t have space to install an under-sink lead removal water filter or you want a filter you can take with you on the road; we recommend the APEC RO-CTOP-C portable RO filter.
The compact reverse osmosis system hooks up to a standard faucet in minutes. You can set it up on the kitchen counter, in a hotel room, in a dorm room, in an RV and wherever else you can access a standard faucet.
Filtration System and Performance
Despite its size, the APEC RO-CTOP-C has four stages of filtration, almost the same number as an under-sink system.
A sediment filter removes sand and other particulates; a carbon filter removes chlorine and other chemicals and the membrane at the heart of the system deal with lead, heavy metals and bacteria.
It removes 90-99% of total dissolved solids (TDS).
A post-filter gives the water a final polish before it comes out.
Because the filter lacks a pressurized reserve tank, water comes out slowly.
If you are using the filter in your kitchen, RV or boat, collect the purified water in a pitcher or bottle for quick access when you need a glass of water.
Set up and Use
The filter attaches to a standard faucet. It’s not compatible with pull-out, sprayer or any specially designed faucets.
It comes with several adaptors for different faucet sizes and styles.
Maintenance Requirements
The pre-filters have a lifespan of 6-8 months. Of course, if you only use the filter when you travel, you can wait longer before replacing the two pre-filters.
The RO-membrane and the post-filter last about 2-3 years depending on usage and water quality.
Pros
Cons
Best Lead Removal Whole House Water Filter:
iSpring WGB22B-PB Lead Iron Chloride Reducing 2-Stage
Prefer using lead-free water everywhere in the house, including the shower? What you need is a whole house water filter system.
The best one we know of that can remove lead is the iSpring WGB22B-PB 2-stage whole house filter.
It consists of two big blue filter stages that are specifically designed to remove lead and iron.
Filtration System and Performance
The iSpring WGB22B-PB doesn’t start with a sediment filter. So if your water has sand, rust or other particulates, it’s a good idea to install a sediment filter before this system.
The first filter is activated carbon. It filters out chlorine and other chemicals such as VOCs and pesticides.
The second filter consists of lead and iron removal media. It reduces lead levels down to less than 15 ppb (parts per billion), the minimum level enforced by the EPA.
Flow rate is pretty good. The large 1” ports allow water to through at a speedy 15 gallons a minute. If there’s any pressure drop from the shower and faucets, it will be very small.
Set up and Use
Install the iSpring WGB22B-PB on your main water supply before the heater.
You may need some fittings to connect it to your mainline, but all other parts are provided included a metal bracket to mount the filter and a housing wrench to loosen the filter housings when you replace the filters.
Maintenance Requirements
iSpring recommends replacing the filters after 100,000 gallons or about one year.
Replacing the filters is easy but can be a bit messy when you remove the wet filter cartridges.
Remember to switch off the water when replacing the filters. Alternatively, you can install a bypass valve so that water can still flow to the house as you service the filter.
Pros
Cons
Best Standalone Countertop RO System for Lead Removal:
AquaTru Countertop Water RO System
If you don't want to do any installation at all, not even connecting a filter to your faucet, we recommend the zero-installation AquaTru countertop RO system.
It is a powered standalone RO system that eliminates lead in water as well as other heavy metals, chemicals and microbes.
Filtration System and Performance
The filtration system in the AquaTru countertop system is very similar to standard RO systems. It is a four-stage system consisting of a sediment pre-filter, an activated carbon pre-filter, an RO membrane and a carbon post-filter.
Together, the four filters remove hundreds of contaminants from water including lead, arsenic, fluoride, microbes, and chemicals.
Where the AquaTru RO system stands out from other RO filters is its standalone design. Instead of connecting it to the faucet or the cold water line under the sink, you add water to an integrated tank.
An electric pump pushes water through the filters. The purified water collects in a separate tank that you can remove and store in the refrigerator.
Setup and Use
The AquaTru countertop RO system doesn't require any installation. You just need to check that the filters are inserted and add water to the tap water tank. Plug it in and watch the water flow.
Because it is pump-powered, the AquaTru system works much faster than traditional RO systems. The purified water tank fills up quickly in minutes. It also wastes less water than other RO systems.
Maintenance Requirements
The pre-filters and post-filter last through 600 gallons or about 6 months. The RO membrane lasts through 1200 gallons or about 1 year of use.
If you have a small family, your filter will last longer because you are using fewer gallons.
The three filter cartridges are super easy to replace. They take a couple of minutes to swap with new ones and you don't need any tools.
Pros
Cons
Do Brita Filters Remove Lead?
Most Brita filters use activated carbon filters, which are ineffective against lead. If you want a lead-removal Brita pitcher, look for one that uses Brita Longlast filter.
It is certified to remove up to 99% of lead from water as well as chlorine, mercury, asbestos, and benzene.
The Longlast filter is compatible with all Brita pitchers except the Infinity Pitcher and the Stream Pitcher.
So if you already have a Brita pitcher, you can simply swap out the basic filter for the lead-removing Longlast filter.
In addition to their filter pitchers, Brita also sells a faucet-mounted water filter that removes over 99% of lead.
Is Berkey Water Filter Pitcher Effective for Lead Removal?
Black Berkey filters are NSF-certified to remove lead and other dangerous impurities such as heavy metals.
Berkey water filter pitchers, their filter pitchers remove over 99.9% of lead.
So yes, Berkey water filter pitchers are good for removing lead from drinking.
Do PUR Filters Remove Lead?
Yes, PUR water filter pitchers and faucet-mounted water filters can remove lead. But make sure you get one with the right type of filter.
For filter pitchers, you want the PUR PPF951K1 lead reduction filter. It’s WQA certified to reduce lead levels by 99%.
For faucet-mounted filters, get the PUR FM-3700 Advanced Faucet Water Filter that removes up to 99% of lead.
Do I need a Lead Filter for the Shower?
According to the CDC, bathing and showering with water containing lead is safe, even for children. That’s because the skin does not absorb lead in water.
If you want complete peace of mind – perhaps you are afraid some of the shower water will find its way into your kids’ mouths, as it always does–get a shower filter for lead removal.
We haven’t found a shower filter that’s certified to remove lead, but you can try the CraterAquaSystems 15-stage filter or the AquaBliss High Output universal filter.
They both claim to remove heavy metals like lead and a variety of other impurities though they don’t provide the exact reduction rates.
To be sure that you are showering with lead-free water, a lead removal whole house water filter will be more reassuring.
Buying Guide: What to Consider When Buying a Lead Water Filter
Type of Filter
You have three options when it comes to choosing a lead-reducing filter: reverse osmosis, activated alumina or NSF-certified activated carbon.
These are the only residential water filters that can reliably remove almost all the lead in water.
If you are looking to remove lead from your drinking and cooking water, get a point-of-use system such as an under-sink filter, a countertop filter, a faucet-mounted filter or a water filter pitcher.
If you want lead-free water throughout your home, including showers, get a whole house lead filter.
Installation
If you don't want to do any installation at all, get a water filter pitcher or a standalone countertop water filter like AquaTru.
If you don't mind doing a bit of DIY work, faucet-mounted and under-sink lead filters are fairly easy to set up.
Whole house filters require cutting into your main water line, so you may want to call a plumber if you are not comfortable doing that.
Filtration Performance
Make sure the filter you buy actually removes lead. It should remove over 99% of it. NSF-certified filters offer the best filtration performance.
Also, check if the filter removes other impurities such as chemicals, heavy metals and microbes.
We also recommend getting a filter with NSF 372 certification. This means the water filter uses lead-free or low-lead components. You don't want a filter that introduces more lead into your water.
Filter Lifespan
Check how often you need to replace the filters. A system that requires frequent filter replacements can be pricey to maintain.
For under-sink and countertop filters, a 6-12 month replacement period is ideal. For whole house filters, a 1-year replacement period is the best.
FAQs on Removing Lead in Water
What’s the best way to remove lead in water?
Reverse osmosis and distillation are the two most effective ways of removing lead from water. Carbon filters certified for lead removal and special lead removal filters are also an option.
How do I tell there’s lead in my water?
Lead dissolved in water does not have any smell, color, or taste. You cannot tell if there’s lead in your water simply by looking at it or smelling it.
The only way to be sure is to have your water tested. This is especially important if your city has some lead service lines or your house uses old lead plumbing.
Does a fridge filter remove lead?
Yes, there are plenty of refrigerator and icemaker filters that can remove over 99% of lead in the water.
Does my well water contain lead?
Well, water can have the lead, but it most likely did not get there naturally unlike minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and iron which come from the earth’s crust.
Instead, it usually comes from man-made parts in the well such as the submersible pump and plumbing. If your well was constructed over 20 years ago, there’s a good chance it might have some lead components.
Get the water tested immediately. If it contains lead, the first step is to protect your family by installing a lead filter or looking for an alternative source of water.
Then have an expert identify which components are introducing lead into the water and replace them.
Remember that you can’t identify lead in water by smell or taste. You won’t know if your well water contains lead until you get it tested in a lab.
Does boiling water remove lead?
No. Boiling water has the opposite effect. It slightly increases lead concentration as some of the water evaporates.
Using the hot water faucet also will not protect you from lead contamination. You should never draw hot water for drinking or cooking from the faucet if you suspect your plumbing contains lead.
That’s because lead dissolves more readily in hot water.
Does a water softener remove lead?
No. A water softener is ineffective against heavy metals like lead, mercury, and chromium.
Even if it did remove lead, it wouldn’t be much help. A water softener is typically installed at the water’s entry point into the home. The softened water can still dissolve lead along the way to the faucets and other outlets.
What’s a safe level of lead in water?
Zero. That’s right; there’s no safe level of lead in drinking water.
The EPA and CDC consider any amount of lead in water to be dangerous, especially to children, infants, and fetuses.
