Monitoring Water for Lead With KETOS SHIELD

Get access to 30+ water testing parameters (including lead) under one device with KETOS SHIELD. Monitor lead levels in your water on-site and get EPA-compliant, lab-accurate readings in real-time.

As an award-winning smart water management solution, KETOS SHIELD allows water operators to measure 30+ water testing parameters – including heavy metals such as lead. Protect your water supply from dangerous contaminants by setting threshold alerts, customizing dashboards, and getting real-time analysis of your device for complete visibility of your water.

Why Monitor Water for Lead with KETOS

Lead can get into drinking water supplies via plumbing fixtures, lead pipes and faucets. Certain pipes might carry lead via driniking water into a household and pipe fittings and welding solder manufactured prior to 1986 run the risk of containing lead.

In the US, the last two decades have witnessed pressure to reduce exposure to lead in drinking water. Recent ammendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act and the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule have worked to reduce the likelihood of lead entering drinking water supplies and have prioritized the removal/replacement of old infrastructure. However, lead can still enter drinking water due to chemical reactions and corrosion.

There is no safe blood level for lead in young children. Therefore, all sources of lead exposure for children need to be eliminated. Due to this, the EPA has set a maximum contaminant level at zero for lead in drinking water. Even in adults, lead can be harmful at extremely low levels as it is a very toxic metal that has the capability to accumulate in the body over time.

Therefore, it is very important to monitor for lead levels in water. While in many cases, monitoring for lead before releasig it into municipal systems for consumption is important. It’s also essential to monitor for lead before using water in food and beverage production. And, because lead can be a by-product of industrial applications (for example, as a contaminant in coal ash ponds in the case of power plants), it’s also important to monitor for lead in effluent, to ensure proper remediation before releasing water back into the environment.

What are the Issues with Lead in Water?

Lead contamination in water sources poses significant health risks and environmental concerns due to its toxicity and widespread presence in aging infrastructure. Here are key concerns associated with lead in water:

• Health Risks: Lead exposure, even at low levels, can have severe health effects, especially in vulnerable populations such as infants, children, and pregnant women. Chronic exposure to lead-contaminated water can lead to neurological and developmental issues, including learning disabilities, decreased IQ, and behavioral problems. In adults, lead exposure may cause cardiovascular effects, kidney damage, and reproductive issues.
• Aging Infrastructure: Lead pipes, solder, and fixtures were commonly used in plumbing systems before regulations restricted their use. However, many older buildings and homes still have lead-containing plumbing materials, posing a risk of lead leaching into drinking water. As these infrastructure components deteriorate over time, lead levels in water can increase, particularly in stagnant or low-flow areas of plumbing systems.
• Fluctuating Water Chemistry: Factors such as changes in water chemistry, temperature, and pH can influence the release of lead from plumbing materials into drinking water. Corrosive water with low pH or high acidity is more likely to leach lead from pipes and fixtures, exacerbating contamination risks. Additionally, changes in water flow rates and stagnation can affect lead levels in water distribution systems.
• Regulatory Compliance: Government regulations set limits on lead levels in drinking water to protect public health. Ensuring compliance with these regulations presents challenges for water utilities, municipalities, and building owners, particularly in areas with aging infrastructure or elevated lead concentrations. Regular testing and monitoring are necessary to identify and address lead contamination issues promptly.
• Public Awareness and Education: Raising awareness about the risks of lead exposure in drinking water is crucial for public health protection. Educating consumers about the sources of lead contamination, potential health effects, and steps to reduce exposure can empower individuals to take preventive measures, such as using certified lead filters or replacing lead-containing plumbing fixtures.
• Environmental Impact: Lead contamination in water sources can have adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems and wildlife. Discharges from industrial processes, mining activities, and urban runoff can contribute to lead pollution in waterways, affecting water quality, biodiversity, and ecosystem health. Mitigating lead contamination requires holistic approaches to address both point and non-point sources of pollution.

Causes of Lead in Water

Lead contamination in water can originate from various sources, posing serious health risks. One primary cause is the corrosion of lead-containing materials in plumbing systems, particularly in older infrastructure where lead pipes, solder, or fixtures were commonly used. As water flows through these pipes, it can leach lead particles into the water supply, especially when water chemistry, such as acidity or alkalinity, accelerates corrosion. Additionally, lead can enter water sources through industrial processes, mining activities, and the erosion of natural deposits. In some cases, lead contamination can also result from the improper installation or repair of plumbing systems using lead-based materials. Even low levels of lead exposure can have detrimental effects on human health, making it imperative to address and mitigate lead contamination in drinking water through regular testing, infrastructure upgrades, and public education initiatives.

Acceptable Levels of Lead in Water by Industry

Acceptable levels of lead in water vary across different industries due to varying levels of exposure and potential risks associated with lead contamination. These standards are established to ensure public health and safety and to regulate water quality in different settings. The acceptable levels are determined based on factors such as the type of industry, the purpose of water usage, and the potential health impacts on humans and the environment. Adhering to these standards is crucial for preventing lead poisoning and minimizing environmental pollution. To facilitate understanding and compliance, regulatory bodies and industry organizations provide guidelines and regulations specifying the acceptable levels of lead in water for various industries, ranging from drinking water to industrial processes.

How to Easily Monitor Water for Lead

Instead of measuring lead with a meter that only measures a handful of conditions; the KETOS SHIELD is capable of mentoring dozens of water related issues — in real-time. Monitoring for lead in your water is just one facet of how KETOS can help your organization improve water quality.

While monitoring lead is crucial, KETOS offers a multifaceted approach to enhance water quality. Explore its comprehensive capabilities beyond lead detection, including tracking pH, turbidity, and more. Empower your organization with thorough insights for effective water quality management and regulatory compliance.

Whether you need to detect manganese in well water, measure magnesium in tap water, or monitor mercury in the mining industry, KETOS’ automated water monitoring can save you time and reduce compliance risks.