Lead or Galvanized Steel Water Pipes

1. Immediate Actions You Can Take

While we work on long-term solutions, you can significantly reduce any potential lead exposure with these simple daily habits:

• Flush Your Pipes: If water hasn't been used for more than 6 hours, run the cold water for 3 to 5 minutes before drinking or cooking. This flushes out water that has been sitting in the service line.
• Use Cold Water Only: Always use the cold water tap for drinking, cooking, and making baby formula. Hot water is more likely to dissolve minerals from plumbing.
• Clean Your Aerator: Every few months, unscrew the small screen (aerator) at the tip of your faucet and rinse out any trapped sediment.

2. Get a Free Water Test Kit

Learn more about Raleigh's free lead testing kits.

3. Consider a Certified Filter

If you choose to use a water filter, ensure it is specifically certified to remove lead. Look for the NSF/ANSI Standard 53 mark on the packaging of pitchers, faucet mounts, or under-sink systems.

To request a kit, call 919-996-4420 or email watersamples@raleighnc.gov.

4. Questions? 

Call Raleigh Water's Customer Care at 919-996-3245 or email customercare@raleighnc.gov.