Even with the monitoring, there have been a few recent problems with municipal water in the greater New York area. Check with your local water supplier for information on how the water supplied to your building is monitored. In many instances, you can obtain the results of the water supplier s most recent water test. Often, the water is not contaminated when it leaves the water supplier s facility. The water can pick up contaminants as it travels through the pipes to your home or building.
Lead often enters the water via the water main.
Lead can also enter the water as it passes over lead-based solder used on some copper pipes. The amount of lead entering the water depends on factors such as water chemistry and temperature. Over time, the amount of lead entering the water decreases due to the buildup of corrosion and sediment in the pipes. Water can be tested for lead content, although such testing is not part of a standard pre-purchase engineering inspection. When testing for lead content, it is desirable to test water that has been stagnant in the pipes overnight.