CWQA Position Statement
Lead in Drinking Water
CWQA Position:
The Canadian Water Quality Association recommends point-of-use reverse osmosis, distillation and activated carbon (for use only at pH 6.5 to 8.5) units to reduce lead in drinking water. Since the source of lead is usually the household plumbing system, a point-of-entry unit such as a water softener will only reduce the lead that is in the water that enters the home not, the lead leached between the softener and the tap.
Summary:
The risk assessment of lead exposure from drinking water has recently been reported. The government is now under political pressure to toughen the amount of lead allowed in public drinking water.
CWQA has been aware of the lead leaching problem in static plumbing systems. For many years, CWQA has recommended that consumers should not consume the first draw from the faucet after the water has been still overnight. CWQA suggests that consumers let the water run for at least 30 to 60 seconds before drawing water for ingestion.
A more efficient solution would be to install a point-of-use reverse osmosis or distillation unit to reduce lead. These two technologies are available to any homeowner today without having to wait for the government to tighten the lead standard. The lead issue illustrates that point-of-use devices provide the final barrier of protection against contaminants that may leach into the water in the distribution/plumbing system after it has been centrally treated but, before it flows from the tap.
CWQA does not agree with regulatory officials and some water utilities that water softeners cause corrosion.
In early 1988, an in-house test program was completed which examined the effect of ion exchange softening on lead and corrosion. The results showed that the amount of lead in the drinking water did not increase beyond the detectable level of 10 ppb when the source water was softened by ion exchange.
The principles enunciated in CWQA’s Position Paper on "Corrosion in Softened Water" are particularly applicable and CWQA urges adherence.
