If you are concerned about elevated lead levels in your home s water, you may wish to have your water tested and flush your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using tap water. Two sites out of twenty tested were above the action level. Lead tests are taken straight from tap after a minimum of 6 hours standing time. Sources of drinking water , both tap water and bottle water originate as surface water from rivers and lakes or as ground water from springs and wells. As water travels over the surface of land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material.
Water picks up wastes from both human and animal activities.
Surface water must be carefully filtered and disinfected to remove bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. Ground water is usually filtered naturally. Inorganic contaminants such as heavy metals, can be naturally occurring or result from urban storm water runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges. Pesticides and herbicides may come from agriculture and residential uses. Radioactive contaminants are naturally occurring.