Lead in water: advice to property owners
Whatever type of home you live or work in, old or new, lead may have been used in your water system.
Newer properties can be affected because lead solder may have been used to seal pipes. Older properties may still have lead piping
By following our practical advice, you can reduce levels of lead in your water:
Mains water quality
The water that comes into your house from the public mains is completely safe to drink.
Public water supplies are tested regularly by your local water authority, Scottish Water, to ensure that they meet water quality standards.
Lead pipes and lead solder
Lead was used for all water pipes and storage tanks many years ago.
Modern homes have copper pipes but joints may be sealed with lead solder. Under current water regulations this is prohibited and lead-free solder should have been used.
Lead in water
Lead can dissolve into your water from the pipes or lead solder joints, making the lead levels higher than the current standard of 25 micrograms per litre. This is more likely to happen when water has been standing still in your water storage system.
Water normally comes direct from the mains to your kitchen tap so has less time to absorb the lead, except overnight.
What should I do?
Use your cold water kitchen tap for all drinking or cooking
Always run your tap for one minute each morning before using the water for drinking or cooking. This will flush out any water that may contain lead.
Never use the hot kitchen tap or bathroom or cloakroom taps for drinking purposes
It is particularly important to follow this advice for babies and young children.
What about brushing my teeth?
It is safe to use water from the bathroom wash-hand basin tap as long as you spit out the water – never drink water from the bathroom wash hand-basin.
Still concerned?
Property owners are responsible for the water system in their house and for taking action to reduce levels of lead in the water.
Property owners are responsible for the water system in their premises and for taking action to reduce levels of lead in water.
The simple steps explained here should minimise any risk, but if you are still concerned, contact:
Scottish Water on 0845 601 8855 – they will test your water but response times will depend on demand.
The City of Edinburgh Council on 0131 529 3030 – they can offer general advice on lead in water
Health Issues
Lothian Health on 0131 536 9189 can answer any questions about health issues.
Advice issued by Lothian Health and the City of Edinburgh Council.