Can Reverse Osmosis Remove Lead?
Quick Summary: Ontario’s water is treated and safe at the source, but lead can leach into drinking water through older pipes and fixtures. Even at low levels, lead exposure is harmful. Reverse osmosis systems remove up to 99% of lead and other heavy metals, providing safer, better-tasting water. Culligan of Ontario offers free water testing and customized RO solutions to protect families across the region.
Ontario residents rely on water supplied by the City of Ontario, which sources from local groundwater, imported water from the State Water Project, and the Colorado River. While this water is treated to meet EPA standards, contaminants can still enter your home’s supply through older plumbing. One of the biggest concerns is lead, which can leach from lead service lines, pipes, and fixtures.
This raises the question: can a reverse osmosis system remove lead from Ontario tap water?
Why Lead Is a Concern in Ontario Water
Lead usually does not come from the water source itself but rather from household plumbing.
Homes built before the 1980s in Ontario may still have lead pipes, solder, or fixtures that allow lead to seep into drinking water.
The EPA’s maximum contaminant goal for lead is zero, since no level is considered safe. Exposure can cause:
- Lead poisoning in children – developmental delays, behavioral issues, and learning problems
- Health impacts in adults – kidney damage, cardiovascular issues, and high blood pressure
- Long-term effects – risks remain even at very low levels of exposure
For Ontario families, this makes additional water protection especially important.
How Reverse Osmosis Removes Lead
Reverse osmosis (RO) is one of the most effective treatment methods for reducing lead. The system uses a semipermeable membrane with pores small enough to block contaminants like heavy metals, while letting water molecules pass through.
A standard RO system includes:
- Pre-filtration – Activated carbon removes chlorine, sediment, and impurities.
- RO membrane – Traps up to 99% of lead, along with arsenic, nitrates, PFAS, and dissolved solids.
- Post-filtration – A final filter improves taste and clarity.
This process delivers safer, fresher drinking water straight from your tap.
Reverse Osmosis vs. Other Filtration Options
While reverse osmosis systems are excellent for drinking water, Ontario homeowners often combine them with additional solutions for whole-home protection:
- Whole house water filters – reduce chlorine, sediment, and other contaminants across the plumbing system
- Under counter water filters – compact units for kitchens and high-use sinks
- Water softeners – treat Ontario’s moderately hard water, reducing scale and protecting appliances
Together, these systems provide more complete protection for your family and home.
Why Ontario Homeowners Choose Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis systems offer Ontario families several key benefits:
- Health protection – reduces exposure to lead poisoning and other heavy metals
- Better taste – improves water for drinking, coffee, cooking, and ice
- Peace of mind – protects against hidden risks from older pipes and fixtures
- Appliance longevity – cleaner water helps prevent buildup in dishwashers, coffee makers, and faucets
Culligan Reverse Osmosis Solutions for Ontario
Culligan of Ontario offers reverse osmosis systems designed for the city’s unique water challenges. With advanced RO membranes and activated carbon pre-filters, our systems reduce lead, PFAS, and other contaminants while improving taste.
We also provide:
Should You Install an RO System?
Lead contamination may not start at Ontario’s treatment plants, but it can still reach your tap through older pipes and fixtures. Reverse osmosis systems are a proven way to reduce lead and other heavy metals, giving your family safer, fresher-tasting drinking water. Pairing RO with whole house water filters ensures full protection throughout your home.
Schedule a free water test with Culligan of Ontario to see what’s in your water and how to best address it.
