I live in an older home, should I be concerned about lead pipes contaminating my water?

Charleston Water System prevents the corrosion of lead plumbing into water by adjusting the properties of our water. We add a corrosion inhibitor during the treatment process, which forms a molecular barrier between the pipe and the water inside.

The results of our lead testing are well below the USEPA’s limit of 15 parts per billion (ppb). Lead testing results are included in our most recent water quality report.

As an extra precaution, customers can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing out water that has been sitting in your home’s plumbing for several hours or more. Just let your water run for up to two minutes before using it for cooking or drinking.

Charleston Water System offers free lead tests. Testing kits are available at our office locations: 103 St. Philip St., Downtown, and 6330 Murray Drive, Hanahan, Customer Service Center.

Show All Answers

1. Does Charleston have a shortage of water?
2. Does Charleston's water contain fluoride?
3. How is the water disinfected?
4. I live in an older home, should I be concerned about lead pipes contaminating my water?
5. Is it okay to use the hot water tap for cooking or drinking?
6. Is my water safe to drink or is bottled water or filtered water safer?
7. Is tap water safe for use in aquariums?
8. My dishwasher leaves water spots on my glasses. What can I do to prevent this?
9. My water tastes / smells funny. Does this mean it's not safe to drink? What should I do?
10. Should I be concerned about Cryptosporidium or Giardia?
11. Should I be concerned about the sodium level of Charleston Water System water?
12. Sometimes my water has a milky white appearance, why?
13. What is a Boil Water Advisory?
14. What is the pH of Charleston's water?
15. What is hardness and how hard is Charleston's water?
16. Where does Charleston Water System water come from?
17. Why does my water sometimes appear rusty?