Is it safe to shower with lead pipes?
Yes, for most people. The CDC says bathing and showering should be safe even when lead in water is above EPA's action level, because skin doesn't absorb lead from water. The risk comes from swallowing it.
What needs filtered or bottled water
- Drinking water, coffee, tea and ice
- Cooking, especially rice, pasta, soups and anything that absorbs water
- Baby formula and baby food
- Brushing teeth for young children, who tend to swallow water
What's fine with tap water
- Showering and bathing (keep young children from drinking bath water)
- Washing hands, dishes and laundry
- Watering plants and cleaning
Simple habits that cut exposure
- Use cold water only for drinking and cooking. Hot water draws more lead from pipes.
- If water has sat for several hours, run the cold tap until it feels colder, or shower first in the morning to flush the line.
- Clean faucet aerators every few months; lead particles collect there.
- Use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead for everything you drink or cook with.
Look up your water system or ZIP code on the Lead Pipe Map home page to see how many lead lines it reported.
Common questions
Can lead in water be absorbed through the skin?
According to the CDC, human skin does not absorb lead in water, so bathing and showering should be safe even if lead levels are above EPA’s action level.
Is it safe to bathe a baby in water with lead?
Bathing is considered safe, but keep babies and toddlers from drinking bath water, and use filtered or bottled water for formula.
Should I brush my teeth with filtered water?
Adults rinsing and spitting are at low risk. Young children who swallow water should use filtered water.
More: How to tell if your home has a lead service line · What "lead status unknown" means · Water filters that remove lead · How to test your tap water for lead · Lead service line replacement: cost, who pays and deadlines · Does a Brita filter remove lead?