Could Aging City Pipes Be Polluting Your Family’s Drinking Water?
Your water looks clear—but is it really safe to drink?
Aging city water systems across the U.S. are silently deteriorating, potentially allowing harmful contaminants like lead, rust, and bacteria into your family’s tap water. Learn the risks, how to spot trouble, and how to ensure your drinking water stays clean and healthy.
Why Aging Water Systems Are a Growing Concern:
The infrastructure supplying water to millions of Americans is often decades old. According to the American Water Works Association, many U.S. water pipes date back 50 to 100 years, significantly increasing the risk of contamination. Lead pipes, corrosion, and frequent water main breaks are key issues creating unsafe drinking conditions.
What’s Leaking from Old
Pipes into Your Water?
LEAD
- Often found in pipes and solder installed before 1986.
- Invisible, odorless, and tasteless, making detection difficult without testing.
- Can cause severe developmental issues in children and chronic health problems in adults.
RUST AND IRON
- Comes from corroded cast iron or steel pipes.
- Causes discoloration, metallic taste, and staining.
BACTERIA
- Occur when pipes corrode or break, letting contaminants into the water system.
- Can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses and infections.
Signs Your Home’s Water Might Be Contaminated
Watch for these common warning signs:
- Discolored water (brown, orange, or yellow)
- Metallic taste or smell
- Cloudiness or visible sediment
- Frequent plumbing leaks or low water pressure
Remember, many contaminants, like lead, leave no visible signs—so testing is crucial.
Signs Your Home’s Water Might Be Contaminated
Watch for these common warning signs:
- Obtain your city’s annual water quality report (Consumer Confidence Report).
- Use a certified water testing lab or at-home testing kits for lead and other common pollutants.
- Retest water after any city plumbing work or water main breaks.
How to Protect Your Family
Choose Reverse Osmosis Systems
- Effectively remove 99% of contaminants, including lead and harmful bacteria.
- Provides reliably filtered drinking water right at your kitchen sink.
Regularly Maintain Your Plumbing
- Flush your taps after periods of inactivity.
- Clean faucet aerators monthly to remove sediment buildup.
Recommended US Water Systems
Products for Safe, Filtered Water
Pioneer Whole-House Lead & Cyst Removal System
- Removes 97%+ lead and contaminants from every tap in your home.
- Simple maintenance with cartridge replacement indicators.
- Long cartridge lifespan (up to 100,000 gallons).
- Compact and easy installation.
- Protects against chlorine, cysts, and harmful chemicals.
All American 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis System
- Eliminates up to 99% of contaminants for clean, refreshing drinking water.
- Easy under-sink installation with minimal maintenance.
- Long-lasting filters requiring replacement only once per year.
- Comes with dedicated faucet for convenient access.
- Improves taste and odor significantly.
Pulsar Ultraviolet Disinfection System
- Kills 99.99% of harmful bacteria and viruses.
- Chemical-free water disinfection with simple annual maintenance.
- Stainless steel chamber ensures durability and reliability.
- Compact design suitable for various home setups.
- Provides continuous, immediate disinfection.
- Aging water systems pose significant health risks.
- Regular testing and observation can detect hidden dangers.
- Certified filtration and reverse osmosis systems ensure your water remains safe.
FAQs
Q: How do I know if my home has lead pipes?
Homes built before 1986 likely contain lead pipes or solder. Check with your local water utility or perform a home inspection.
Q: Can boiling my water remove lead or bacteria?
No, boiling water does not remove lead and may actually concentrate it. Boiling can kill bacteria, but filtration is a safer and more comprehensive solution.