Are Aging American Homes Harboring Lead-Based Water Pipes?

More than 30 years after lead was banned as a plumbing material by the federal government, lead-based pipes are still carrying water to millions of homes across America. Lead contamination has become a major problem in recent years as particles from those aging lead pipes seep into the tap water entering a home. Even at low levels, doctors say lead can cause a range of the health problems, particularly in young children. Environmental and health officials believe homes built with lead piping before 1986 - when the toxin was banned - are most at risk for water contamination. Census data from 2020 show that about 53% of the U.S. housing stock was built before 1980. Those homes are more likely to have been built with lead pipes that haven’t been replaced over time. That makes them more susceptible to lead contamination from tap water flushed and drawn from faucets in the homes. Regionally, the largest number of pre-1980 homes – 22.2 million -- are in Southern states, but Northeastern states have the largest portion. Three New England states – Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island – along with New York and the District of Columbia, all have more than 70% of their housing built before 1980. Lower income and majority non-White areas - particularly in the Midwest and Northeast - have a higher percent of pre-1980 homes. Check the map below to see the percent of homes built before 1980 in your ZIP Code; roll over or click areas of the map for details on housing, population and income in the ZIP Code area.