To comply with the EPA's Lead and Copper Rule, we tested a group of homes for lead and copper in 1990. Studies found that ingesting lead or copper can cause health problems, especially in children. Exposure to lead and copper often comes from home plumbing. Copper from pipes and lead from lead pipe solder slowly dissolve in standing water.

If you live in a home with copper or galvanized plumbing, and have not used the water from your tap for more than five or six hours:

Eliminate zinc, rust, and traces of lead by:

• Running the tap for a short period of time before drawing and using the water;
• Flushing the cold water tap from your kitchen for at least 15 to 30 seconds before drawing water for drinking or cooking.

Reduce stale water tastes and odors by:

• Turning on all unused water taps in your home, one at a time, once a month, and let them run for about 15 seconds.

Metals such as lead and copper dissolve more readily in hot water, therefore: 

• Do not use hot tap water for cooking or drinking.
• If you have an instant hot water machine, run a little hot water before using any to clear out standing water.
• If your refrigerator has an automatic icemaker, empty it and allow it to refill regularly also to clear our standing water.