Lead in drinking water – an ongoing public health concern?

Lead remains a problem in drinking water in many parts of the world, with millions of properties served by distribution systems containing leaded components. This review considers the latest information on lead in drinking water and presents perspectives on solving the lead problem. Strong links have been established between human exposure to lead and health impacts, both in adults and children. As a result, permissible levels of lead in drinking water have generally become lower. However, achieving these regulations is challenging with the controls available. Future recommendations for aspiring to zero lead in drinking water are i) improved sampling, monitoring and modelling; ii) wider application of point of use devices in the short term; iii) replacement of all lead pipes and plumbing through enforceable regulation and heightened public awareness.