Which States May Have the Most Water Service Lines Containing Lead?

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) recently released a report about water service lines containing lead that is still being used across the United States. In the document, the NRDC estimates there are between 9.7 to 12.8 million of these service lines delivering water to the public, likely in all 50 states.

This is important information as lead is rarely found in source water, but it can enter the water supply as it comes in contact with plumbing materials that contain it. In most circumstances, lead enters tap water through the corrosion of these materials, which can include lead-containing service lines. The heavy metal can also leach from lead pipes in a home, as well as from solder or from brass or chrome-plated brass faucets and fixtures, especially when hot water is involved.

The NRDC also released its estimate for the states with the most lead-containing service lines. The top 5 states are thought to have approximately 2.5 million of these service lines in total. The list includes: 

1. Illinois
2. Ohio
3. Michigan
4. New York
5. New Jersey

“Exposure to lead has long been recognized as a health hazard, especially for children,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “There is no safe blood lead level in children that has been identified. Even low levels of lead have been shown to affect IQ, the ability to pay attention, and academic achievement according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”

Helping to identify lead hazards due to exposure risks in water and from other sources are the scientists at EMSL Analytical, Inc. With dozens of laboratories across North America, EMSL analyzes water, soil, air, dust, paint, and bulk materials for lead and other heavy metals. They even offer an easy-to-use Drinking Water Test Kit and have sponsored an educational video about lead in drinking water that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/2kvtAcpw1MY.

To learn more about lead or other environmental, health, and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email  info@EMSL.com . To access test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP, and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail