Frequently Asked Questions on Lead

Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups. Infants and children can have decreases in IQ and attention span. Lead exposure can cause new learning and behavior problems or exacerbate existing learning and behavior problems. The children of women who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy can have increased risk of these adverse health effects. Adults can have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney, or nervous system problems.
 

Lead contamination from lead-based paint, dirt, and dust accounts for most lead exposure. The two most cost-effective ways to minimize lead exposure from drinking water are to 1) flush the kitchen faucet for one minute in the morning or after coming home from school/work and 2) use only cold water for drinking and cooking.

The SFPUC routinely monitors for lead in the water distribution system, and we have never exceeded standards for lead in drinking water. 

We also adjust the pH of the water we deliver to prevent corrosion of pipes. This means that even if customers have lead plumbing or fixtures in their home or business, there is a lower likelihood of corrosion into the water. 

There are a few things you can do to prevent potential lead exposure, should lead be present: 

• Let your water run on cold for a few minutes before using it.
• Do not boil your water to remove lead. Boiling water will not remove lead.
• If you use a water filter, make sure it’s certified for lead to National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)/ANSI standards. Make sure to replace and maintain the filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Order a lead test from the SFPUC for $25 per tap. Participants in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program can order a lead test for free. Visit sfpuc.gov/lead test to place your order. 
• Contact your health care provider if you have concerns about drinking your tap water.
• Learn more about your water quality in the SFPUC’s Water Quality Report. Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, andFilipino.

Recent regulations require that residential kitchen faucets, bathroom faucets, bar faucets, drinking fountains, and icemakers have decreased or eliminated lead levels. Older faucets may have small amounts of lead. To learn more, visit sfpuc.gov/lead and click on the drop down titled "How to Identify Lead-Free Faucets."

Federal and State lead regulations do not cover hose bibs, bathtub fixtures, shower heads, and industrial faucets. Avoid drinking or cooking with water from these fixtures.

Since the year 2000, all kitchen faucets sold in California are ultra-low lead. Beginning in 2010, when any water fixtures and fittings intended to convey drinking water are replaced, they must be replaced with ultra-low lead products (containing no more than 0.25% lead).
 

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has lead information and products for lead detection and removal. You can find this information at their website or by calling (510) 620-5600.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) operates a National Lead Information Center at (800) 424-LEAD [5323] or can be reached at its website https://www.epa.gov/lead/index.html.

Our Water Quality Bureau can provide information on the quality of your water and can be reached at (650) 652-3100 or email quality@sfwater.org

San Francisco residents may call the San Francisco Department of Public Health’s Environmental Health Section if they are concerned that a young child may be exposed to lead hazards. Please call (415) 252-3800. This health office will investigate and order safe remediation of any identified lead hazards.