Are there special steps I should take to protect my developing baby, infant or young children?

Households with pregnant women, infants or young children should be especially aware of the potential for lead exposure through drinking water. If you suspect there may be lead in your home plumbing, consider having your water tested at a certified laboratory by contacting the utilities department’s quality assurance coordinator at 804-748-1310 option 2. If lead is detected, consider purchasing a filter certified for lead removal or using an alternate source of water until the problem is corrected. Babies and young children are most vulnerable to the harmful effects of lead at low levels. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates infants who consume mixed formula can receive 40% to 60% of their exposure to lead from drinking water.

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1. What is lead?
2. What is its history in water plumbing?
3. Do the mains and service lines in Chesterfield County contain lead?
4. Why is lead a health risk?
5. How do I know whether my drinking water contains lead?
6. How does lead get into drinking water?
7. How much lead in water is too much?
8. What can I do to reduce or eliminate lead from my drinking water?
9. Are there special steps I should take to protect my developing baby, infant or young children?
10. Is it safe to shower in water that contains lead?
11. What does Chesterfield County Utilities do to protect my household from lead?
12. I’m in a new house, am I at risk?
13. Do all home filters and other water treatment devices remove lead?
14. Can my pets drink water with lead?
15. Is water the only source of lead in homes and businesses?