Check your taps

It has been known for decades that roofing materials and corrosion of plumbing fittings contribute to lead and copper water contamination, especially in tank water systems.
However, a recent study published in the Environmental Research Journal (2016) has found high levels of lead and copper in the drinking water across NSW, with tap fittings as the primary cause of lead contamination.

However this recent study has shown that even new kitchen and bathroom taps may be increasing the risk of lead exposure in Australian families.

Brass-lead taps, also called end-of-the-line fittings, are a significant source of lead contamination in drinking water. This large-scale study revealed widespread lead and copper contamination across NSW. Of the 212 homes tested, 56% had detectable lead in their water supply, with 8% of homes exceeding the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG).
Also, copper was found in 100% of the samples, with 5% exceeding the ADWG.

Both new and old properties were affected, ruling out the theory that this problem is only associated with lead water supply from old homes.
All taps analysed in the study were less than one year old.

Recommendations to reduce heavy metal consumption

Turning the tap on for 2–3 minutes before drinking will reduce heavy metal levels; however, researchers still reported considerable concentrations of both copper and lead after doing this. Other recommendations deal with ensuring proper maintenance of rainwater tanks and managing corrosion control.

Not mentioned in the study, but are worthy considerations, is using appropriate water filtration systems that remove heavy metals, and supporting healthy detoxification systems within the body. These may be critical until lead-free plumbing fixtures are routinely used.

While this study examines only one state of Australia, when the results are extrapolated out to Australia more broadly, the findings imply there is a significant and widespread risk of preventable copper and lead contamination of drinking water.