Lead is a metal found in natural deposits as ores containing other elements. It is a known neurotoxin that can cause adverse developmental effects to children. Lead found in drinking water comes primarily from the corrosion of faucets, plumbing fixtures and lead solder in the home, as well as from lead service lines, if they are present. The SFPUC removed all known lead service lines in the 1980s.
The SFPUC has a number of historical and current programs to minimize customer exposure to lead and continues to comply with regulatory requirements. Our high quality source water does not contain lead. We have and continue to remove components that contain lead. Corrosion control treatment is optimized to to minimize the amount of lead from building plumbing. The SFPUC monitors for lead in drinking water through a variety of programs, works closely with the San Francisco Department of Public Health, and provides lead information to our customers.