Water
Do I have lead pipes and what can I do?
Short answer
Possibly, especially in houses built before 1960. The EU limit is 10 µg/l lead and drops to 5 µg/l by 12 January 2036 at the latest; the Netherlands already applies 5 µg/l.
Explanation
Lead can leach from old pipes, solder or brass. Unborn and young children are especially sensitive. Replacing lead is the real solution. Until then, letting the water run before use helps.
Rules of thumb
- EU: 10 µg/l, by 12 January 2036 at the latest 5 µg/l. [SW-S36]
- NL: at most 5 µg/l; homes built before 1960 may have lead pipes. [SW-S37]
- Flanders 2024: 2.90 % of tap measurements were above 5 µg/l. [SW-S38]
Pitfalls
- Flushing lowers lead temporarily but does not solve the problem: replacement remains the solution. [SW-S37]
By region
- Netherlands
- Since 2022 landlords and childcare providers must replace lead pipes. [SW-S37]
- Flanders
- Have a test done via your water company. [SW-S38]
Search terms
These search terms are in Dutch; only terms that also find a topic in English are links.
lood loden leidingen oud huis kinderen zwangerschap
Read also
General information, not personal advice. Check the source and reference date.
For health complaints: see your GP.
Sources
- SW-S36 Richtlijn (EU) 2020/2184 betreffende de kwaliteit van voor menselijke consumptie bestemd water — Europees Parlement en Raad (EUR-Lex) (Reference date 2026-09-27)
- SW-S37 Loden leidingen — RIVM (Reference date 2026-09-27)
- SW-S38 Drinkwaterkwaliteit (indicator) — Vlaamse Milieumaatschappij (VMM) (Reference date 2026-09-27)
Reference date: 2026-09-27 · Translated with AI from the Dutch original.