Why lead and copper usually come from household plumbing rather than the water source itself, and what the Lead and Copper Rule actually measures.
Data current as of July 2026
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Lead and copper are unusual among regulated contaminants: they're almost never a problem with the water source itself. They typically leach into water from old pipes, solder, and fixtures on the way to your tap — which is why EPA's Lead and Copper Rule samples water at the tap, not at the treatment plant.
Lead
A metal that can leach from old pipes, solder, and fixtures. Current medical guidance holds there is no truly safe level of lead exposure, especially for children and pregnant women.
Copper
Usually from household plumbing corrosion rather than the water source itself.
Filtration
Both fall in the Metals category — reverse osmosis is generally the most broadly effective single technology against lead and copper, though whole-house and under-sink carbon offer partial protection too. Check for NSF/ANSI 53 certification for lead specifically.
Live in this area? Simple Water Heater & Filtration can size a filtration system to whatever's actually on file for your utility.