Blog: There is lead in my tap water. What can I do?
Homes built before 1960 often still have lead water pipes. As a result, lead gets into the drinking water. This is harmful to health and can lead to kidney problems or high blood pressure, among other things. For children up to age 8, lead is especially harmful because it can lead to behavioral abnormalities.
How much lead is allowed?
Currently, a concentration of 10 micrograms of lead per liter is allowed in drinking water. Starting in 2022, the permissible concentration will be reduced to 5 micrograms of lead per liter.
How do I know if there is lead in my drinking water?
Was your property built before 1960? If so, contact your landlord. The landlord is required to inform you about this. If the landlord does not give you any information, you can have an investigation done yourself.
You can also do your own test to determine the amount of lead in your tap water. Online you can find several water tests. If the test shows that the concentration of lead is higher than 10 micrograms per liter then there is too much lead in the drinking water.
The concentration of lead is too high. What can I do?
If the concentration of lead is too high, your landlord must replace the lead pipes. You can take the following steps.
- Contact your landlordYoucan ask your landlord to replace the lead pipes.In addition, you can ask for a rent reduction until the lead pipes are replaced and for compensation for the costs you incurred.Download the model letter here. Send the letter by registered mail and regular mail. Always keep a copy.
Speer Advocatuur can also draft and send the letter on your behalf. - My landlord is not cooperating, now what?If your landlord does not cooperate, you can file a lawsuit in court. The court can then order the landlord to replace the water pipes and give a rent reduction.Contact us for a free consultation on such a procedure.
Lower than 10 micrograms?
Even at less than 10 micrograms of lead, it is worth asking your landlord to replace lead pipes. As of 2022, the landlord will also have to replace the lead pipes at levels of 5 micrograms per liter. By letter, ask your landlord to replace the lead pipes as soon as possible also at levels below 10 micrograms.
Questions?
Do you have questions when drafting the letter? Is your landlord not cooperating? Do you have an owner-occupied home with lead water pipes? Or do you have other questions?
