What You Can Do if Lead is Discovered

If lead material is discovered or if there is concern about lead in drinking water, following the recommended actions below can help reduce your exposure to lead in drinking water.

• Run your water to flush out lead. Flushing the tap means running the cold water faucet. It usually uses less than one gallon of water. If the water has not been used for several hours, run water for 15-30 seconds, or until it becomes cold, or until it reaches a steady temperature before using it for drinking or cooking. Flushing removes water that may contain lead from the plumbing lines.
• Do NOT cook with, drink water, or prepare baby formula from the hot water tap. Lead dissolves more easily into heated water. Boiling water does NOT reduce lead however, it is still safe to wash hands, dishes, shower, water plants, do laundry, etc. Use cold flushed water for cooking and preparing baby formula. If you have not had your water tested or if you know that lead-containing materials and pipes exist within your home, it is recommended that bottled or filtered water be used for drinking and preparing baby formula. If you need hot water, draw water from the cold tap and then heat it.
• Look for alternative sources or treatment of water if you are concerned about contaminants. You may want to consider purchasing a water filter or bottled water. Read the packaging to ensure the filter is approved to reduce lead or contact NSF International at 800-NSF-8010 or www.nsf.org for more information on performance standards for water filters.
• Get your water tested for lead. Call JEA at 731-422-7500 to find out how to get your water tested for lead. Also, the following is a list of some Department approved laboratories in your area that you can call to have your water tested for lead: Waypoint Analytical LLC 731-423-5330 or Pace Analytical Center for Testing & Evaluation 615-758-5858. Testing is essential because you cannot see, taste, or smell lead in drinking water. JEA periodically tests a portion of the residences for lead and copper levels and other water quality parameters throughout the distribution system. Participation in the sampling is voluntary and free. If you are interested in participating in this program, please call us 731-422-7500.
•  Get your child tested. Visit the Tennessee Department of Health Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program to learn more about children and lead or contact your healthcare provider to find out how you could get your child tested for lead if you are concerned about lead exposure.
•  Identify and replace plumbing or fixtures containing lead. Although Tennessee law currently restricts the sale of plumbing fixtures not considered “Lead-Free,” new brass faucets, fittings, and valves, even those advertised as “Lead-Free” may still contribute lead to drinking water. Physical modifications or disturbances may cause lead release. If you are planning to replace your lead service line, contact JEA at 731-422-7500. Remove and clean aerators/screens on plumbing fixtures. Over time, particles and sediment can collect in the aerator screen. Regularly remove and clean aerators screens located at the tip of faucets and remove any particles.

Water softeners and reverse osmosis units will remove lead from water but can also make the water more corrosive to lead solder and plumbing by removing certain minerals; therefore, the installation of these treatment units at the point of entry into homes with lead plumbing should only be done under supervision of a qualified water treatment professional.

For more information on reducing lead exposure around your home/building and the health effects of lead, visit EPA’s Website at www.epa.gov/lead, call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791, contact your health care provider, or reach out to the State of Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation by mailing:

Lead and Copper in Drinking Water

Davy Crockett Tower, 9th Floor
500 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37243-1204

Learn more by reviewing EPA's Lead in Drinking Water Infographic.

For more information, contact Tennessee Department of Health Family Health and Wellness at 615-741-7353 or the Madison County Health Department at 731-423-3020.