Lead
The US EPA considers lead a "highly toxic metal" and a "major health threat". In May 1991, new federal standards were set for maximum contaminant levels of lead.
It wasn't until 1986 that lead was regulated out of use for plumbing. Until July 1st, 1986, lead was commonly used in pipes and in solder, and may have been used later than that in some cases. Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD) has done extensive research and is continuing to do research on lead pipes and lead solder. With the addition of lime and/or sodium hydroxide, they have found that over a period of 5-7 years, the water naturally leaves behind a protective coating on the pipe walls, of calcium carbonate, which prevents the erosion and leaching of lead into the water. MMWD also adds zinc orthophosphate to the water to reduce corrosivity. People with homes built between Jan.1, 1983 and June 30, 1986, are potentially at risk, and should consider testing their water. People with houses built during that time may qualify to be included in MMWD's study, and have their water sampled and tested by MMWD, through Oct. 1992 and later in 1993. Others, wishing to find out about the possibility of lead contamination in their pipes, may go to private labs, or get a test kit at The Water Store.(MMWD is also looking for people whose homes were built closer to the turn of the century, to study the composition of the pipes and effects of wear on the pipes over a long period of time.) An NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) certified Reverse Osmosis Systems will remove lead from drinking water.
Mercury, Cadmium, Aluminum
Mercury
Cadmium
Aluminum
Minerals Salts/Trace Elements
Barium, calcium, chloride, chromium, copper, iron, sodium, sulfates, zinc
Are all reduced by 93-99% w/RO.
Fluoride
Mandated in October of 1995 by Pete Wilson to be added to all public water supplies serving over 10,000 people to prevent dental caries. The desired concentration is a concentration of about 1. ppm. Over 2.0ppm can cause discoloration of the teeth. Over 4.0 ppm can cause fluorosis, a serious crippling bone disorder. RO reduces by 93-99%.
The US EPA considers lead a "highly toxic metal" and a "major health threat". In May 1991, new federal standards were set for maximum contaminant levels of lead.
It wasn't until 1986 that lead was regulated out of use for plumbing. Until July 1st, 1986, lead was commonly used in pipes and in solder, and may have been used later than that in some cases. Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD) has done extensive research and is continuing to do research on lead pipes and lead solder. With the addition of lime and/or sodium hydroxide, they have found that over a period of 5-7 years, the water naturally leaves behind a protective coating on the pipe walls, of calcium carbonate, which prevents the erosion and leaching of lead into the water. MMWD also adds zinc orthophosphate to the water to reduce corrosivity. People with homes built between Jan.1, 1983 and June 30, 1986, are potentially at risk, and should consider testing their water. People with houses built during that time may qualify to be included in MMWD's study, and have their water sampled and tested by MMWD, through Oct. 1992 and later in 1993. Others, wishing to find out about the possibility of lead contamination in their pipes, may go to private labs, or get a test kit at The Water Store.(MMWD is also looking for people whose homes were built closer to the turn of the century, to study the composition of the pipes and effects of wear on the pipes over a long period of time.) An NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) certified Reverse Osmosis Systems will remove lead from drinking water.
Mercury, Cadmium, Aluminum
Mercury
Cadmium
Aluminum
Minerals Salts/Trace Elements
Barium, calcium, chloride, chromium, copper, iron, sodium, sulfates, zinc
Are all reduced by 93-99% w/RO.
Fluoride
Mandated in October of 1995 by Pete Wilson to be added to all public water supplies serving over 10,000 people to prevent dental caries. The desired concentration is a concentration of about 1. ppm. Over 2.0ppm can cause discoloration of the teeth. Over 4.0 ppm can cause fluorosis, a serious crippling bone disorder. RO reduces by 93-99%.
