Drinking water

Lead in drinking water

In Scotland, lead does not occur naturally in significant concentrations in our water supplies. The problem arises when drinking water comes into contact with lead supply pipes, lead tanks, lead solder joints on copper pipes, or inferior quality brass fittings and taps, particularly for longer periods (e.g. overnight/weekends/holidays). This can result in high lead levels in the drinking water supply.

You should always drink water from the cold water tap in the kitchen as this is almost certainly connected to the cold water mains supply. Do not use water from the hot tap for drinking or cooking, do not use water from the hot tap for making baby formula.

If you suspect you have lead pipes, Fife Council encourage you to take further action to establish whether lead is present and to take steps to replace them. In the short term, you should implement some precautionary measures to protect your health such as letting the cold tap run for a few minutes before you use it, especially if you’ve been away for a while. If you have a concern about the level of lead in your cold water supply, you can contact us (details below) to request a test for your water supply.

Information on the health effects of exposure to lead can be found on the NHS Inform website.

Private water supplies

There are around 338 private water supplies in Fife and during times of prolonged dry weather many of these private supplies from springs, surface water or wells may become depleted or fall.

Significant rainfall over a prolonged period is needed to restock some supplies, but that’s not expected to happen soon. Those affected are being encouraged to use water wisely and follow this advice:

• Ensure your supply is secure, with no leaks
• Take a timed shower, rather than a bath
• Make sure washing machines and dishwashers are fully loaded
• Collect rainwater for use in the garden and use a watering can rather than a hose
• Use a cistern displacement device

Users of private water supplies can follow these links for lots of helpful information:

• Private Water Supplies
• Private Water Supplies: Rights and Responsibilities
• Apply for a Private Water Supply Grant
• Maintaining your Private Water Supply
• Making sure your Private Water Supply is safe to drink
• Risk Assessing your Private Water Supply
• Treating your Private Water Supply
• Testing your Private Water Supply
• Blue Green Algae

Useful Links

• Lead in drinking water briefing