Can Reverse Osmosis Remove Lead?
Quick Summary: Ventura’s water comes from the Ventura River, Lake Casitas, and local wells. While treated for safety, lead can leach into drinking water from older pipes and fixtures. Reverse osmosis systems remove up to 99% of lead and other heavy metals, giving families safer, fresher-tasting water. Culligan of Ventura offers tailored RO systems and free water testing to help protect your home.
Ventura residents rely on water sourced from the Ventura River, Lake Casitas, and local groundwater wells. While Ventura Water treats and monitors the supply to meet EPA standards, concerns remain about lead in drinking water—particularly in older homes with lead service lines or outdated plumbing.
This leads many households to ask: can a reverse osmosis system remove lead from Ventura tap water?
Why Lead Is a Concern in Ventura Water
Lead typically enters drinking water not at the treatment plant, but as it flows through pipes and fixtures.
In Ventura, older homes built before the 1980s may still contain lead pipes or solder, which can leach contaminants into the water supply.
The EPA has set the maximum contaminant goal for lead at zero, since exposure can cause:
- Lead poisoning in children, leading to learning and developmental issues
- Kidney and cardiovascular problems in adults
- Long-term health concerns even at trace levels
With Ventura’s mix of historic neighborhoods and older infrastructure, many residents look for added protection.
How Reverse Osmosis Removes Lead
Reverse osmosis (RO) is one of the most effective ways to reduce lead in household water. By using a semipermeable membrane, RO systems block contaminants like heavy metals while letting water molecules pass through.
A standard RO setup includes:
- Pre-filtration – Activated carbon filters remove chlorine and other chemicals.
- RO Membrane – Removes up to 99% of lead, as well as arsenic, nitrates, PFAS, and dissolved solids.
- Post-filtration – A polishing filter enhances taste and clarity.
The result is clean, safe, and better-tasting drinking water.
Reverse Osmosis vs. Other Filtration Options
While reverse osmosis systems excel at point-of-use filtration, Ventura homeowners often pair them with other solutions:
These solutions provide both safety and convenience throughout the home.
Why Ventura Homeowners Choose Reverse Osmosis
For Ventura residents, the benefits of RO systems include:
- Health protection – reduces exposure to lead poisoning and other heavy metals
- Improved taste – fresher water for cooking, coffee, and ice
- Peace of mind – safeguards families against hidden risks from older lead pipes
- Appliance longevity – helps protect dishwashers, faucets, and coffee makers from buildup
Culligan Reverse Osmosis Solutions for Ventura
Culligan of Ventura provides reverse osmosis systems customized for the region’s unique water sources. With advanced RO membranes and activated carbon filters, our systems target lead and other contaminants while improving taste.
We also offer:
Should You Install an RO System?
Lead may be invisible, but it can still enter Ventura homes through aging plumbing and fixtures. Reverse osmosis systems are a proven way to reduce lead and improve the quality of your drinking water. Pairing RO with whole house water filters provides complete protection for your home.
Start with a free water test from Culligan of Ventura to learn what’s in your water and how to address it.
