Lead and Copper - lead and copper are contaminants of concern not because of groundwater contamination but because of contamination of the water supply by leaching from the plumbing. Lead contained in plumbing solder, banned in 1986, and brass fixtures which will fall under the lead ban in 1998, are two sources of lead which could leach to the water supply. Higher concentrations of lead might leach into the drinking water if the source water is corrosive. Lead exposure is a serious health threat for infants and young children. Hindered physical and mental development, growth interference and intelligence deficits are some of the symptoms of lead exposure.
Lead poisoning can affect adults but usually at much higher levels than children.
Corrosion control is the most common method of treatment. In Montgomery County, ground water is naturally acidic and treatment systems using calcium compounds, such as marble chips, are common. Newer plumbing systems that do not have lead solder may still contaminate the water supply due to lead leaching from brass faucets and other fixtures. Copper in excessively high concentrations can be toxic but at levels leached from plumbing it can pose gastrointestinal problems. Actually, copper is necessary for good health at low levels.