Cadmium, copper, iron, lead and zinc can leach into the water from metal pipes. Carcinogenic asbestos can be released from asbestos cement pipes. Water standing in the PVC pipes for any length of time may also become contaminated with carcinogenic vinyl chloride.
Water is the universal solvent.
This list only begins to cover pollutants that could be leaching from your pipes. It's important to note that it doesn't matter how pure the water is coming from your community treatment facility if your own pipes contain these pollutants. To begin to safeguard your house, see what kind of pipes you have and have your water tested. Installing a faucet filter will help protect against certain common pollutants. Back to Protecting Your Children .