Can Reverse Osmosis Remove Lead?
Quick Summary: Los Angeles homeowners often face concerns about lead entering drinking water through aging lead pipes or old plumbing. While the city’s water supply leaves treatment plants safe, lead can leach in along the way. Reverse osmosis systems, equipped with activated carbon pre-filters and a microscopically small RO membrane, are among the most effective solutions for reducing lead, heavy metals, and other contaminants. For whole-home protection, pairing RO with whole house water filters or under counter water filters provides a complete approach. Culligan of Los Angeles offers customized solutions, professional installation, and free water testing to help families achieve cleaner, safer water.
If you live in Los Angeles, you’ve probably seen news headlines about aging lead pipes or concerns over lead service lines in older neighborhoods. While LA’s water supply meets federal standards, trace amounts of heavy metals—especially lead—can still enter your tap water through outdated plumbing. For families worried about drinking water safety, that raises an important question: can a reverse osmosis system actually remove lead?
Let’s explore how reverse osmosis works, why lead exposure is such a concern, and which filtration options give Los Angeles households peace of mind.
Why Lead Is a Concern in Los Angeles Water
Los Angeles relies on a mix of imported water from the Colorado River, Northern California, and local groundwater.
While water leaves treatment plants meeting EPA standards, it can pick up lead along the way if it passes through lead pipes or older plumbing fixtures.
Lead is dangerous even at very low levels. The EPA has set the maximum contaminant goal for lead at zero, because exposure can cause:
- Developmental delays in children
- Increased risk of lead poisoning
- Cardiovascular and kidney issues in adults
Homes built before the 1980s are most likely to have lead service lines or fixtures that leach this contaminant into tap water.
How Reverse Osmosis Removes Lead
Reverse osmosis (RO) uses a microscopically small filter—a semipermeable membrane that blocks contaminants while allowing water molecules to pass through. This makes it one of the most effective treatments for removing lead and other heavy metals from drinking water.
Here’s how it works:
- Pre-filtration: Most RO systems use activated carbon filters to remove chlorine, sediment, and other impurities that could damage the membrane.
- RO Membrane: The membrane blocks up to 99% of lead, along with arsenic, nitrates, and other contaminants.
- Post-filtration: A final water filter polishes the water for clean taste.
Result: Safer, better-tasting water without the risks of lead poisoning.
Reverse Osmosis vs. Other Filtration Options
While reverse osmosis systems are highly effective, Los Angeles homeowners may also consider complementary solutions:
- Whole house water filters – protect plumbing and appliances by reducing contaminants at the point of entry.
- Shower filters – reduce chlorine exposure that can irritate skin and hair.
- Under counter water filters – compact units for targeted water supply areas like kitchens.
No single system addresses every problem. For families concerned about forever chemicals (like PFAS), total dissolved solids, or water acidity, pairing RO with other technologies creates a more complete solution.
Why Los Angeles Residents Choose Reverse Osmosis
Investing in reverse osmosis provides:
- Health protection – removes lead pipes contaminants and reduces exposure to heavy metals.
- Better taste – eliminates chemical odors, improving water for cooking, coffee, and ice.
- Appliance longevity – filtered water prevents buildup that damages fixtures and dishwashers.
- Confidence – know your family is protected from invisible risks like lead poisoning.
Culligan Reverse Osmosis Solutions in Los Angeles
Culligan of Los Angeles offers RO systems designed for local water challenges. Our solutions combine activated carbonpre-filters with advanced RO membranes to remove lead, heavy metals, and other contaminants. They are customizable to fit your home—whether you want a whole house water filter or an under counter water filter for premium drinking water.
We also offer:
- Free water testing to identify lead, forever chemicals, and other issues
- Expert installation and service to ensure your system runs at peak efficiency
- Options that integrate with softeners or other filters for complete coverage
Should You Install an RO System?
Lead may be a hidden risk in Los Angeles homes, but the solution is clear. Reverse osmosis systems with activated carbon filtration are proven to reduce lead and protect your household. Installing an RO system with other solutions like whole house water filters ensures safe, great-tasting water from every tap.
Not sure if your home has lead service lines or other contaminants? Start with a free water test from Culligan of Los Angeles and take the first step toward cleaner, healthier water.
