Over the decades, water quality has been a serious topic in communities throughout the country and across the world.

Most recently, lead-contaminated water in Flint, Michigan created a massive health crisis and dominated the headlines.

As studies revealed elevated lead levels in the children there, a state of emergency was declared and criminal charges were filed against city and state officials.

With this week being Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, multiple agencies and health organizations are encouraging people to learn that there is no safe level of lead exposure and what to do if you suspect lead in your home.

There are two potential sources of lead contamination in drinking water: lead service lines that deliver water directly into homes from the water mains in the street, and household plumbing containing lead solder and brass fixtures. However, lead exposure can occur through inhalation, ingestion through food, ingestion of contaminated soil or dust from decaying lead paint or some lead-containing products like some traditional medicines or cosmetics.

Lead is most harmful in children, who can absorb up to five times more than adults and cause intellectual disability, underperforming at school and behavioral issues. Lead is also harmful to pregnant women and their developing babies.

For those concerned about lead levels in their home’s water, there are a few tips to minimize exposure:

• Run your tap to flush out lead. If your water hasn’t been used for several hours, run water for at least 30 seconds or until it becomes cold or reaches a steady temperature before using it for drinking or cooking.

• Use cold water to cook and prepare baby formula. Don’t boil water to reduce lead. Lead dissolves more easily into hot water. Boiling water won’t reduce lead.
If you buy a water filter, make sure it’s approved to reduce lead.

• Be aware that brass faucets, fittings and valves — even those advertised as lead free — might contribute lead to drinking water. The law allows end-use fixtures, such as faucets, with wetted surfaces containing a maximum weighted average of 0.25 percent lead to be labeled as lead free.

If you are concerned about exposure, contact the health department or your healthcare provider to find out how you can get tested for lead.