How does lead get into drinking water?

• March 28, 2024 |

There is virtually no lead in our two water supply sources, the Big Butte Springs and the Rogue River. Rather, lead leaches into water over time through corrosion—a dissolving or wearing away of metal caused by a chemical reaction between water and pipes. Lead can leach into water from pipes, solder, fixtures, faucets and fittings. The amount of lead in your water depends on a variety of factors. These include the type and amounts of minerals in the water, the type of pipes the water comes in contact with, how long the water stays in the pipes, the water’s corrosivity, and water temperature. Lead water lines were not used extensively within Medford’s distribution system, and Medford Water’s system fully complies with state and federal rules regarding lead. However, short lead pipes known as “pigtails” were occasionally used within our system in the early 1900s. It has been our longstanding policy to remove these lead pigtails as they are found.