Alert icon.

Why we focus on lead in water.

Lead exposure can come from many sources — including paint, dust, soil, and drinking water. All of them matter. But drinking water is where we see a critical and timely opportunity to drive lasting change.

Thanks to major policy and funding advances, the U.S. is finally positioned to remove lead service lines nationwide:

  • The EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) require the full replacement of lead pipes across the country, creating a clear and enforceable mandate.
  • The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) delivers $15 billion to help communities begin this work — the largest federal investment in lead pipe replacement to date. But $15 billion is just a downpayment.

Experts estimate we need at least $46–90 billion to get the job done. Without additional funding and strong implementation, too many communities will remain at risk — especially those already facing systemic disinvestment and environmental injustice. The Protect Kids from Lead Coalition is focused on securing the necessary funding to replace all lead service lines across the country. With additional funding and interim protections in place, we can make lead pipes a thing of the past and ensure every child has access to safe, clean water at home and at school.

Question mark icon

What is lead?

Lead is a naturally occurring heavy metal that is found across our environment. Lead is toxic to humans. According to the Centers for Disease Control, there is no safe level of lead in an individual’s blood. Exposure to lead, even at low levels, is particularly harmful to children, and can adversely affect cognitive development, physical growth, and overall health, potentially leading to serious long-term consequences such as learning disabilities, stunted growth, and blood disorders.

Humans may come into contact with lead on a daily basis, whether it’s in the workplace, at school, or in their household. Drinking water is one of the most common sources of lead through homeowners’ water pipes, fixtures, and faucets as they corrode.

Lead contamination often presents itself in minuscule amounts that are only recognizable through specialized testing measures. Many families don’t have the information or tools they need to find and fix lead problems. This is a bigger issue in disadvantaged communities, where older pipes and buildings that may have lead are more likely to be found.

Flag icon.

Health effects on kids.

Children, especially those under six years old, are more at risk of lead exposure because their brains and bodies are in the most critical stages of development. Exposure to lead can lead to developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral issues. Research has shown that lead exposure is directly associated with worse academic performance, which has far-ranging impacts on children’s abilities to succeed and lead happier and healthier lives into adulthood.

Although lead has the most serious health effects on children, it can also be harmful to adults, especially pregnant women. Adults exposed to lead may face health problems such as:

Heart icon
Heart issues, such as high blood pressure and hypertension.
Kidneys icon
Lower kidney function.
DNA icon
Reproductive problems in both men and women.
Hashtag/Number sign icon

By the numbers.

170 million.

170 million Americans alive today were exposed to high lead levels in early childhood – more than half the U.S. population.

500,000.

Approximately 500,000 children in the United States currently have elevated blood lead levels.

Clipboard icon

Steps for prevention.

Contact your local utility to request lead testing. Many utilities offer free or low-cost testing services.

Use a filter certified to reduce the risk of lead exposure in drinking water.

Take EPA-recommended steps to reduce potential lead exposure, such as using cold water, regularly cleaning faucet aerators, and using  a filter certified to reduce the risk of lead exposure in drinking water.

Join us as we Protect Kids From Lead!

Contact us
Chevron