In Ireland, clean drinking water is something many of us take for granted. But the reality is, lead may be present in the water from older homes and buildings across the country.
In this article, we’ll explain what lead is, how it gets into drinking water, and the risks lead in drinking water poses to health. We’ll also share how you can check if your home is affected and what steps you can take to stay safe.
Table of Contents
What Is Lead & Where Is It Found?
Lead is a metal that is naturally found in soil, rocks, air, and water. While lead does occur in nature, most exposure comes from man-made sources.
In the past, lead was used in many products, such as petrol, paint, pipes, solder, batteries, and roofing materials. Over the years, Ireland has made progress in reducing lead exposure. Today, most people in Ireland are exposed to only small amounts of lead, mostly through food.
However, if you live in an older house or building, especially one built before the 1980s, there may still be lead plumbing or lead water pipes. This is one of the most common sources of lead in drinking water.
How Does Lead Get Into Drinking Water?
Water that leaves a treatment plant is usually free of lead. But lead was widely used in water mains and domestic plumbing until the 1970s.
If water flows through these pipes, it can pick up lead from plumbing materials such as lead metal, lead solder, or brass fittings. While many old pipes have been replaced, some remain in use today, especially in older homes and buildings.
Certain types of water (such as soft or warm water) can pick up lead more easily from pipes. Lead levels can also rise if water remains stagnant in the pipes for long periods, like overnight or during the workday.
Health Risks of Lead in Drinking Water
No amount of lead in drinking water is considered completely safe. Regular long-term exposure to even low levels of lead can have health effects:
➜ In babies and children, lead exposure can affect brain development and cause learning and behaviour problems.
➜ For pregnant women, lead can cross the placenta and harm the unborn baby.
➜ Long-term exposure to lead can also cause kidney damage, high blood pressure, and possibly increase cancer risk.
Because lead builds up in the body over time, it’s essential to minimise exposure from all sources, including water, as much as possible.
Lead in Drinking Water in Ireland
In 2013, the legal limit for lead in drinking water in the EU dropped from 50 to 10 micrograms per litre (µg/L). As a result, Ireland has had a National Lead Strategy in place since 2015 to reduce lead levels to safe limits. However, some water samples across the country still fail to meet this standard.
In a new press release from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it states that progress in removing lead from water supplies has been too slow. To add to this concern, the limit for lead in drinking water will be halved again to 5 µg/L by 2036. That means that more water supplies currently meeting the standard may not comply in the near future.
How to Know If You’re at Risk
You can’t see, taste, or smell lead in drinking water. The only way to know if your water contains lead is to test it. But there are a few signs that could suggest your home is at risk:
➜ Your home was built before 1980.
➜ You’ve never replaced your plumbing system.
➜ You have soft water, or your water supply comes from an older public system.
You can contact Uisce Éireann to see if lead pipes were found during a meter installation. A qualified plumber can also inspect your property for lead pipes, solder, or fittings. If lead plumbing is present, your next step should be to get your water tested.
What Can You Do If Lead Is Found?
If tests show your drinking water contains lead above the legal limit, here are some steps you can take:
➜ Flush your taps: Run cold water for a few minutes before using it for drinking or cooking.
➜ Use cold water only: Never use hot tap water for food or baby formula.
➜ Don’t boil the water: Boiling does not remove lead and may even increase it slightly.
➜ Use bottled water: Especially for babies, young children, and pregnant women.
➜ Replace lead pipes & plumbing: This is the only long-term solution.
If your home has lead plumbing, you may be eligible for the Domestic Lead Remediation Grant. This grant covers 100% of the cost, up to €5,000, for replacing lead pipes inside your home. To learn more and apply, visit www.gov.ie/leadpipes/.
Protecting Your Health with Water Testing
Testing your water is the only way to be sure your home is safe from lead. At Southern Scientific, we offer accurate and affordable Lead in Drinking Water Test. Our service is ideal for:
➜ Homeowners with concerns about plumbing
➜ Parents of young children or pregnant women
➜ Public buildings, schools, and healthcare facilities
If you’re unsure about your water, don’t wait. Protect your family’s health and peace of mind. To learn more about our test, contact Southern Scientific today or click the button below.
