To prevent lead contamination in tap water, what is the recommended action?

Flushing the water until it is cold is the recommended action to prevent lead contamination in tap water. This process helps to clear out any standing water that might have absorbed lead from pipes or plumbing fixtures.

When water sits in the pipes for extended periods, especially overnight or longer, it can leach lead from solder and brass fittings. By allowing the tap to run until the water becomes cold, you ensure that you're using water that has not been stagnant in the plumbing, thereby reducing the likelihood of lead exposure.

While running the water until it clears might seem related, it doesn't specifically address the temperature aspect, which indicates that the water has been replaced with fresh water from the supply. Using a water filter can be effective, but the type of filter is crucial as not all filters remove lead effectively. Boiling water does not eliminate lead from water and can actually concentrate it more if it's present, as boiling reduces the water volume. Thus, flushing to cold water ensures that potential lead contamination is minimized before consumption.