Lead is a dangerous environmental pollutant.  Historically lead has been most commonly encountered in lead paint, and in soil contamination resulting from the use of lead as a gasoline additive.  The ingestion of lead and the resulting increase in blood lead level has been proven to cause neurological damage, especially in children.

Water that travels through lead pipes on it's way to your home, may have increased levels of dissolved lead.  The amount of lead is dependent on many variables including pH and temperature of the water.  If your home is older than 50 years, or if you know that any part of the plumbing system is made of lead, it is very highly recommended that you have your water tested for lead levels.  If lead is detected there are multiple ways to remove it from your water including water filters, water distillers, and reverse osmosis.