November 23, 2024, 3:23 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
Lead in tap water is hazardous to health and can occur in older homes in particular. This is an invisible risk that affects millions of households in Germany.
Drinking water and tap water are subject to strict controls in Germany. Nevertheless, problems can occasionally occur, often due to outdated installations in apartments or houses. A particularly relevant problem is lead pipes, which pose an increased risk, especially for children and pregnant women. myHOMEBOOK provides an overview of this problem, explains the causes, and shows what measures can be taken if lead is present in tap water.
How does lead actually get into tap water?
Lead is a chemical element with the element symbol “Pb.” Specifically, it is a heavy metal that was used for many purposes – including water pipes in the past. Lead is soft, malleable, and resistant to corrosion. However, lead in tap water is harmful to health. The problem usually occurs in houses built before 1973, explains the Federal Environment Agency. In these houses, lead pipes were sometimes installed for the water supply.
The supply of piped or drinking water is strictly controlled in this country. The water quality is generally flawless up to the transfer point, i.e., where the water enters the building. Contamination usually only occurs within the domestic installation, especially in old buildings or poorly maintained systems.
The Federal Environment Agency also points out that lead pipes have not been used in the southern German states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg since the end of the 19th century. In northern and eastern Germany, however, they were still in use until the 1970s.
How to detect lead in tap water
Lead is an invisible risk: you cannot taste, see or smell it. It is therefore advisable to test it, especially if you live in an older home. To be on the safe side, a professional water analysis should be carried out. This can be carried out by certified laboratories or the public health department. Although home tests are available, they usually only provide a rough guide.
A short-term way to reduce the contamination is to let the water run for a few minutes before use. This flushes the stagnant water out of the pipes, which is often more contaminated with lead. However, this method does not provide permanent safety and should only be used as a temporary measure until basic solutions such as replacing lead pipes can be implemented.
New law will regulate
The so-called “Ordinance on the Quality of Water for Human Consumption (Drinking Water Ordinance – TrinkwV)” will regulate the handling of lead in tap water in the future. Paragraph 17, “Drinking water pipes made of lead,” states that operators of water supply systems in which lead water pipes are still installed must either remove or decommission these pipes by January 12, 2026, at the latest. This law has been in force since June 20, 2023.
The risks of heavy metal in water
The German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water (DVGW) warns that even small amounts of lead can be dangerous, especially for unborn babies, small children, and pregnant women, as it impairs blood formation and the development of intelligence. In adults, lead can pass from the bones into the blood, especially during pregnancy.
The consumer advice center in Hamburg emphasizes: “Lead is a toxic heavy metal for humans. Even traces can impair blood formation, kidney function, and the nervous system.” It also points out that the limit value for lead in drinking water in Germany is a maximum of 0.01 milligrams (10 micrograms) per liter (in force since 2013). The Federal Environment Agency adds that a stricter limit of 0.005 mg/l (equivalent to 5 µg/l) will apply from January 12, 2028. Building owners and water suppliers have a transitional period until January 12, 2026.
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What is the best thing to do about it?
If you are affected by lead pipes in your apartment or house, you should act quickly. As already mentioned, it is best to start with a test. Tapping the pipes can also be helpful: Lead pipes sound dull and are not typically metallic. An examination by a laboratory or the public health department is also recommended.
Another sensible measure is the installation of water filters as a temporary solution. It is important to only use certified models that have been proven to filter heavy metals such as lead. In acute cases, buying bottled drinking water can also be a viable alternative.
In the long term, however, lead pipes must be replaced. Tenants have the option of asking the landlord in writing to inspect the pipes and, if necessary, to report any defects to the public health department. Homeowners should contact specialized plumbing companies. In addition, fittings and taps should also be checked for possible contamination. In any case, you should avoid drinking tap water contaminated with lead at all costs.