When and Why You Should Treat Water at the Point of Entry for Lead

Lead in drinking water is a serious health concern that many homeowners may not even realize they’re facing. While municipal water systems work to provide safe drinking water, aging infrastructure, plumbing, and environmental factors can introduce lead into your water supply. Treating water at the point of entry (POE)—where water enters your home—can be a highly effective solution to protect your household. In this article, we’ll explore when and why you should consider POE water treatment for lead and how it can safeguard your family’s health.

What Is Point-of-Entry Water Treatment?

Point-of-entry water treatment involves installing a filtration or treatment system at the main water line entering your home. Unlike point-of-use (POU) systems, such as under-sink filters, POE systems treat all the water used in your household—whether for drinking, cooking, bathing, or laundry. This comprehensive approach is especially important when addressing contaminants like lead, which can affect more than just your drinking water.

When Should You Treat Water at the Point of Entry for Lead?

Not every home needs a POE system, but certain situations make it a critical investment. Here are the key scenarios when you should consider treating water at the point of entry for lead:

1. Older Homes with Lead Pipes or Solder
   Homes built before the 1980s may still have lead pipes, lead solder, or brass fixtures containing lead. Even if your home’s plumbing has been updated, lead can leach into the water from older service lines connecting your property to the municipal water supply. A POE system ensures all water entering your home is treated before it reaches your taps.

2. High Lead Levels in Water Test Results
   If a water quality test reveals elevated lead levels (above the EPA’s action level of 15 parts per billion), immediate action is necessary. While POU filters can help at specific faucets, a POE system provides whole-house protection, reducing lead exposure from every water source.

3. Corrosive Water Conditions
   Water with low pH or high acidity can corrode pipes and fixtures, causing lead to leach into your supply. If your water is corrosive—often indicated by blue-green stains on sinks or a metallic taste—a POE system can neutralize these conditions and remove lead simultaneously.

4. Young Children, Pregnant Women, or Vulnerable Residents
   Lead is particularly harmful to young children, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Even low levels of exposure can cause developmental delays, neurological damage, and other health issues. If your household includes vulnerable members, treating water at the point of entry offers peace of mind by ensuring all water is safe.

5. Unreliable or Aging Municipal Infrastructure
   In some areas, aging water mains or insufficient corrosion control by local utilities can allow lead to enter your water. High-profile cases, like the Flint, Michigan water crisis, highlight the risks of relying solely on municipal treatment. A POE system gives you control over your water quality.

Why Treat Water at the Point of Entry for Lead?

Lead poses significant health risks, and its effects are cumulative, meaning even small amounts can build up in the body over time. Here’s why a POE system is often the best choice for lead removal:

• Comprehensive Protection
  Lead isn’t just a drinking water problem. Bathing or washing dishes in lead-contaminated water can still expose you through skin absorption or accidental ingestion. A POE system eliminates lead from every faucet, shower, and appliance.

• Long-Term Cost Efficiency
  While installing multiple POU filters might seem cheaper upfront, maintaining them across your home can add up. A single POE system offers a more cost-effective, low-maintenance solution for whole-house water treatment.

• Improved Water Quality Beyond Lead
  Many POE systems can also remove other contaminants, such as sediment, chlorine, or heavy metals, enhancing the taste, smell, and safety of your water.

• Property Value Boost
  A professionally installed POE water treatment system can increase your home’s resale value by demonstrating a commitment to health and safety.

How to Get Started

If you suspect lead in your water or fall into one of the high-risk categories above, the first step is to test your water. Reach out to Pioneer Water Treatment to assess the condition of your water. Once you have the results, we can discuss the right POE solution for your home.

At Pioneer Water Treatment, we specialize in designing and installing point-of-entry systems tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re dealing with lead, corrosive water, or other contaminants, our team can recommend advanced filtration and treatment options to ensure your water is safe and clean. Don’t leave your family’s health to chance—call Pioneer Water Treatment today for a consultation and take control of your water quality!

Conclusion

Treating water at the point of entry for lead is a proactive step to protect your household from a hidden danger. Whether you live in an older home, have vulnerable family members, or simply want the assurance of clean water, a POE system offers unmatched safety and convenience. Contact Pioneer Water Treatment now to learn more about how we can help you achieve lead-free water throughout your home. Your health—and your peace of mind—are worth it!