Lead Risk Assessment
Enter your ZIP code for an area-level lead score, then add your home details for a personalized risk assessment with filter recommendations.
- Pre-computed 0–100 lead score for 32,000+ ZIP codes
- Personalized risk profile based on your home's age and plumbing
- Filter recommendations with cost estimates if lead risk is elevated
Get a Personalized Assessment
The area score above reflects your ZIP code's average. Add your home details for a more precise, household-specific risk score.
How This Tool Works
This tool combines two assessments into one:
- Area Lead Score (ZIP code only) — a pre-computed 0–100 score combining EPA water testing results (PB90), Census housing age data, and LCRI infrastructure allotments. Covers 32,000+ U.S. ZIP codes.
- Personal Risk Assessment (home details) — factors in your specific home's year built, water source, children in the household, and recent plumbing work for a more precise risk profile with filter recommendations.
Area Score Methodology
| Factor | Weight | Source | What It Measures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing Age | Up to 40 pts | Census B25034 | % of homes built before 1986 (lead solder) and before 1950 (lead service lines) |
| Water Lead Level | Up to 35 pts | EPA LCR / CCR Reports | 90th percentile lead level from utility testing (PB90, in ppb) |
| Infrastructure | Up to 25 pts | Census + LCRI Allotments | Lead service line probability + state LCRI funding level |
Why Lead Exposure Risk Varies by Home
Even if your water utility reports low lead levels at the treatment plant, lead can enter your water through your home's own plumbing. The main risk factors are:
- Lead service lines — homes built before 1930 may have lead pipes connecting them to the water main.
- Lead solder — copper pipes installed before 1986 were often joined with lead-based solder, which was banned by the Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments.
- Brass fixtures — older faucets and valves may contain up to 8% lead. The 2014 Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act lowered the limit to 0.25%.
- Water chemistry — corrosive water (low pH, low mineral content) leaches more lead from pipes and solder.
Understanding the EPA Action Level
The EPA Lead and Copper Rule requires water systems to test lead levels at customer taps. The 90th percentile value (PB90) must be below the action level of 15 parts per billion (ppb). If exceeded, the system must take corrective action including public notification, corrosion control, and lead service line replacement.
However, the EPA emphasizes there is no safe level of lead exposure, especially for children. Even levels below the action level pose measurable health risks including developmental delays, lower IQ, and behavioral problems.
Lead Exposure Risk by Home Age
| Home Built | Primary Lead Risk | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Before 1930 | Lead service lines + lead solder + lead paint | Very High |
| 1930 – 1949 | Lead solder + some lead service lines + lead paint | High |
| 1950 – 1969 | Lead solder on copper pipes + lead paint (pre-1978) | Moderate-High |
| 1970 – 1985 | Lead solder on copper pipes | Moderate |
| 1986 – 2013 | Brass fixtures (up to 8% lead allowed until 2014) | Low |
| 2014+ | Minimal (lead-free fixtures required) | Very Low |
Risk Levels
| Score | Risk Level | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 20 | Low | Newer housing, low lead detection, minimal infrastructure risk. Standard precautions apply. |
| 21 – 45 | Moderate | Mixed housing age, some lead detection possible. Consider water testing. |
| 46 – 70 | High | Older housing stock, measurable lead levels, or aging infrastructure. Water testing recommended. |
| 71 – 100 | Very High | Pre-1950 housing dominance, elevated lead detection, known service line risk. Immediate testing and filtration recommended. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What lead level in water is considered safe?
The EPA action level for lead in drinking water is 15 parts per billion (ppb). However, the EPA and CDC agree there is no safe level of lead exposure, especially for children. Even levels below 15 ppb can contribute to cumulative lead exposure over time.
My home was built after 1986. Am I safe from lead?
The 1986 Safe Drinking Water Act amendments banned lead solder and limited lead in plumbing fixtures, but homes built between 1986 and 2014 may still have fixtures containing up to 8% lead. The 2014 standard reduced this to 0.25%. Additionally, the water service line connecting your home to the street may still be lead regardless of home age.
How can I test my tap water for lead?
Order a certified lab test kit (such as Tap Score) that tests specifically for lead and heavy metals. Collect a first-draw sample from your kitchen faucet after water has sat in pipes for 6+ hours (usually first thing in the morning). Results typically arrive in 3-5 business days and cost $30-100.
Does boiling water remove lead?
No. Boiling water does not remove lead and actually concentrates it as water evaporates. To reduce lead, use an NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter, flush cold water taps for 1-2 minutes before use, and always use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead from pipes).
How much does it cost to replace lead pipes?
Replacing a lead service line (the pipe from the water main to your home) typically costs $3,000-$10,000 depending on length, depth, and local labor rates. Many water utilities now offer free or subsidized replacement programs under the EPA Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI). Contact your water utility to check eligibility.
Data Sources & Methodology
Data Sources
- EPA SDWIS — 90th percentile lead levels (PB90) from utility tap testing
- Census ACS (B25034) — Housing year built distribution by ZIP code
- EPA LCRI Allotments — Lead service line inventory and replacement funding data
Methodology
The area score combines three weighted factors: housing age (up to 40 pts based on pre-1986 and pre-1950 housing stock), water lead level (up to 35 pts from PB90 testing), and infrastructure risk (up to 25 pts from LCRI allotments and service line probability). Personal assessment adds home-specific factors including year built, water source, children, and plumbing history.