Lead is a metal found in natural deposits and has been commonly used in household plumbing materials and water service lines.  

While Lead is relatively uncommon in the ground water supplying private water system wells in Ohio, it can occur. In areas where lead is found in the ground water it is due to the localized geologic occurrence of lead bearing minerals in the aquifer. 

In these areas, the construction and depth of the well completion may contribute to the levels of lead found in the groundwater supplying the well.  

The more common source of lead in drinking water primarily occurs when water makes contact with plumbing materials and water service lines. Prior to the current knowledge of the health hazards of lead, it was widely used in products such as gasoline, paints, batteries, metal products and ammunition -- just to name a few. 

Click the "Download" button to obtain the fact sheet "Lead in Drinking Water from Private Water Systems".