Historically lead was commonly used in internal plumbing systems and to connect houses to the water main. In the last 30 years copper or plastic pipes have been used instead of lead. Lead-based solder was also used with copper pipes until more recently.

Mains water contains very low levels of lead but this level can increase when water comes into contact with lead pipes or solder. This level will be higher for water left standing in pipework overnight or during the day if little water is used.

Medical guidance suggests exposure to high levels of lead can be harmful to health as it accumulates in the body. Babies and young children are particularly at risk as the accumulation of lead can adversely affect mental development. This is also true for pregnant women as the lead can be passed to their unborn babies.

The current standard for lead in drinking water is 25 µg/l (parts per billion); following guidance from the World Health Organisation this will be reduced to 10 µg/l in December 2013.

To help reduce the amount of lead that can dissolve into the water from lead pipes, Bristol Water adds a small amount of food-grade orthophosphate to the water as it leaves the treatment works. This works by forming a protective layer over the internal surfaces of lead pipes. However, the only permanent way to eliminate the risk completely is to replace the lead pipes.

If you think you may have lead pipes it is worth running the cold tap for about a minute before using the water for cooking or drinking purposes. This water does not have to be wasted but can be used for watering plants etc.

If you are concerned you may have lead pipes and would like to check the level of lead in your water supply please contact us and we will be happy to sample your water free of charge. If the sample fails against the standard we will replace our section of the service pipe.

If you choose to replace all the lead pipework inside and outside your home we will replace any lead pipes we are responsible for free of charge. Further information for replacing your lead pipes including an application form can be found here.