**Houston Tap: Is Lead Crashing Youthful Biomes?**
By Franklin Everett ShawImagine a world where the simple act of drinking water could pose a hidden threat to your family’s health. For many Houston residents, this isn’t a hypothetical scenario, but a real concern fueled by aging infrastructure and the potential for lead contamination in their tap water. This isn’t about scare tactics; it’s about empowering you with the knowledge and tools to protect your loved ones, especially children, from the dangers of lead exposure. Let’s dive into the specifics of lead in Houston’s water, how to test for it, and what you can do to ensure your family’s safety.
Lead in drinking water is a serious issue, particularly in older cities like Houston with aging plumbing systems. Lead can leach into the water supply from lead pipes, lead solder used in copper pipes, and even some brass fixtures. The problem is insidious because lead is tasteless, odorless, and invisible to the naked eye.
The primary concern with lead exposure is its impact on children’s development. Even low levels of lead can cause:
- Learning disabilities
- Behavioral problems
- Lowered IQ
- Slowed growth
For pregnant women, lead exposure can lead to premature birth and reduced growth of the fetus. Adults can also suffer from lead exposure, experiencing:
- Cardiovascular effects
- Increased blood pressure
- Kidney problems
The City of Houston’s water system is complex, serving a vast and diverse population. While the city takes measures to control lead levels, including adding corrosion inhibitors to the water, the risk of lead contamination remains, especially in older homes. Homes built before 1986 are particularly vulnerable, as they are more likely to have lead pipes or lead solder.
So, how do you know if your Houston home is at risk? The first step is to test your water. Don’t rely on assumptions or generic statements about the city’s water quality. Your home’s plumbing is unique, and the only way to know for sure is to test.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to testing your water for lead in Houston:
- Contact the City of Houston Health Department: They may offer free or low-cost lead testing kits. Call 311 to inquire about availability and eligibility. This is your first and most important step.
- Purchase a Lead Testing Kit: If the city doesn’t offer free testing or if you prefer a faster turnaround, you can purchase a lead testing kit from a hardware store like Home Depot or Lowe’s, or online retailers like Amazon. Look for kits certified by the EPA.
- Follow the Instructions Carefully: Each kit comes with specific instructions for collecting the water sample. It’s crucial to follow these instructions precisely to ensure accurate results. Typically, you’ll need to collect a “first draw” sample, meaning the first water that comes out of the tap in the morning after the water has been sitting in the pipes overnight.
- Send the Sample to a Certified Laboratory: The testing kit will include instructions on how to package and ship the sample to a certified laboratory for analysis.
- Review the Results: Once the lab has analyzed your sample, they will send you a report detailing the lead levels in your water. The EPA’s action level for lead in drinking water is 15 parts per billion (ppb). If your results exceed this level, you need to take action.
Now, let’s talk about what to do if your water test reveals elevated lead levels. Don’t panic, but don’t ignore the problem either. Here are some actionable steps you can take:
Use a Water Filter Certified to Remove Lead: This is the most immediate and effective way to protect your family. Look for filters certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead reduction. These filters are available in various forms, including:
- Faucet Filters: These attach directly to your faucet and filter the water as it flows. Brands like PUR and Brita offer certified lead reduction faucet filters, available at Houston-area Home Depot and Lowe’s stores.
- Pitcher Filters: These are convenient and affordable, but they require you to fill the pitcher and wait for the water to filter. Again, PUR and Brita are reliable brands.
- Under-Sink Filters: These are installed under your sink and provide filtered water on demand. They are more expensive than faucet or pitcher filters but offer a higher flow rate and longer filter life. Consider brands like Aquasana or APEC Water Systems, available online and at some specialty plumbing stores in Houston.
- Whole-House Filters: These filter all the water entering your home. They are the most expensive option but provide comprehensive protection. These are typically installed by a professional plumber.
Flush Your Pipes: Before using water for drinking or cooking, run the cold water tap for several minutes to flush out any lead that may have leached into the water overnight. The length of time you need to flush will depend on the length of your pipes and the severity of the lead contamination. A good rule of thumb is to flush until the water runs cold.
Use Cold Water for Drinking and Cooking: Hot water is more likely to leach lead from pipes than cold water. Always use cold water for drinking, cooking, and preparing baby formula.
Clean Your Aerators: Aerators are the screens at the end of your faucets. They can trap lead particles and other debris. Clean them regularly to ensure they are not contributing to lead contamination.
Consider Replacing Lead Pipes: If your home has lead pipes, the most effective long-term solution is to replace them. This is a significant investment, but it will eliminate the source of lead contamination. Contact a licensed plumber in Houston to get a quote for replacing your lead pipes.
Contact the City of Houston for Assistance: The city may offer programs to help residents with the cost of replacing lead pipes or installing water filters. Contact 311 to inquire about available programs.
Navigating city programs can be challenging. Be prepared to provide documentation, such as proof of residency and water test results. Persistence is key. Don’t be afraid to follow up on your inquiries and advocate for your family’s health.
A common mistake is assuming that if your neighbor’s water is safe, yours is too. Every home’s plumbing is different, and lead contamination can vary significantly from house to house. Another pitfall is relying on uncertified water filters. Make sure the filter you choose is certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead reduction.
Remember, protecting your family from lead in drinking water is an ongoing process. Test your water regularly, maintain your water filter, and stay informed about the latest developments in water safety. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your family has access to safe, clean drinking water in your Houston home. Don’t wait, take action today.