EFFECT ON WATER

Rainwater flushes airborne pollution from the skies, and then washes over the land before running into the, rivers, aquifers, and lakes that supply our drinking-water. All of the chemicals generated by man will eventually end up in our water supplies.
Lead is used primarily for lead pipe line. Lead is also added to metal alloys

such as brass and bronze, it is used in water faucets.

Lead in drinking water is highly toxic, and recent developments have increased the level of concern. High concentrations of lead in the body can cause death or permanent damage to the central nervous system, the brain, and kidneys.

EFFECT ON SOIL

Lead is rarely found in source water, but enters tap water through corrosion of plumbing materials. Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead pipes, fixtures and solder. However, new homes are also at risk: even legally lead-free plumbing may contain up to 8 percent lead. The most common problem is with brass or chrome-plated brass faucets and fixtures which can leach significant amounts of lead into the water, especially hot water.

REFERENCES: 1. http://water.epa.gov/drink/info/lead/index.cfm