A global initiative towards making all drinking water lead-free by 2040

Nothing is more fundamental to human health and well-being than access to safe drinking water.

In 2016, world leaders adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including SDG 6 – a universal call to action to provide access to safe and affordable drinking water to every person, everywhere, by 2030.

As part of our global commitment to provide water that is free from microbial hazards and priority chemical contaminants that impact human health, we launch this global initiative to work towards lead-free drinking water by 2040.

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A bucket of water being filled by an outdoor faucet
UN + global lead-free water logos
Our side event at the UN Water 2023 conference NY was a success!

Thank you for everyone who participated in our side event! It was standing-room only and we continue to sign up organizations and nations to support the initiative.

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PRESS RELEASE
Man installing a new water pump with 3 children watching on.
A man installing a water pump.
What’s at stake?

Lead is an invisible, odorless and tasteless chemical contaminant present in water supply systems worldwide. The primary source of lead in many systems is lead-containing pipes and parts that leach lead into the water.

No safe level of lead exposure has been identified. Lead is a toxin that irreversibly impacts neurological and cognitive development. Acute or chronic childhood exposure to lead causes lifelong harm. Exposure of pregnant women to high levels of lead can cause fetal deaths and developmental abnormalities. Yet today environmental exposures to lead remains a significant global challenge.

Globally, 800 million, or roughly 1 in 3, children have elevated levels of lead in their blood.

There is an urgent need to reduce human exposure to lead in the environment, including to lead in drinking water – a source of exposure that is wholly preventable. Children, in particular, must be able to grow in a lead-free environment. The Lead-Free Water Pledge aims to build momentum around local and global initiatives to progressively reduce exposure to lead from drinking water and protect public health. Our goal is to work collectively towards preventing lead-leaching from new drinking water systems by 2030 and to make all drinking water lead free by 2040.

Founding partners

Government and Intergovernmental Organizations
Ghana
Ghana
South Africa
South Africa
Uganda
Uganda
UNICEF
UNICEF
World Health Organization
World Health Organization
Non-Governmental Organizations
Conrad N. Hilton Foundation
IWSH
Int’l Assoc. of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials
The International Water Association
LIXIL
Millennium Water Alliance
RTI International
Rural Water Supply Network
UNC Water Institute
University of Leeds
WaterAid
World Plumbing Council
World Vision

Resources

Resources on addressing lead in drinking water.
Lead in drinking-water: Health risks, monitoring and corrective actions
World Health Organization
Lead in drinking-water: Health risks, monitoring and corrective actions
read
Children’s Exposure to Lead Pollution Undermines a Generation of Future Potential
UNICEF
Children’s Exposure to Lead Pollution Undermines a Generation of Future Potential
read
Occurrence of Lead and Other Toxic Metals Derived from Drinking-Water Systems in Three West African Countries
EHP
Occurrence of Lead and Other Toxic Metals Derived from Drinking-Water Systems in Three West African Countries
read
Prevention of Childhood Lead Toxicity
PEDIATRICS
Prevention of Childhood Lead Toxicity
read
No-cost and low-cost solutions to eliminate lead at the tap in drinking and cooking water
RTI
No-cost and low-cost solutions to eliminate lead at the tap in drinking and cooking water
read
Preventing another lead in drinking water crisis: Lessons from the D.C. and Flint contamination events
Virginia Tech
Preventing another lead in drinking water crisis: Lessons from the D.C. and Flint contamination events
read

Latest news

APEC Forum: Safe Water via Global Standards

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Summary:

APEC's water forum, "Reducing Lead in Drinking Water Through Standardization," tackles urgent water crisis. Backed by the US and co-sponsored, the event emphasizes safe water access, compliance, and combating lead contamination. Expert panels stress collaboration's role in achieving clean water goals.

LA Times Gives Lead Pledge a Call Out

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Summary:

The United Nations has highlighted the global water crisis as one of the most pressing issues of our time. According to a UN report, over 3 billion people are affected by water scarcity, and the situation is expected to worsen due to climate change and population growth. The report calls for urgent action to protect water resources and ensure access to safe and clean water for all.

Commitment accepted by the UN

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Summary:

The UNC Water and Health Conference has been recognized by the UN as a mechanism for addressing six Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): 3, 5, 6, 10, 11, and 17. The conference serves as a platform for researchers, practitioners, and policy-makers to collaborate and share knowledge on water and health issues. The conference's theme for this year is "Water and Health: Where Science Meets Policy."

The Pledge is part of the UN’s official Water Action Agenda

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Summary:

The Global Commitment to eliminate lead in drinking water was launched at the 76th United Nations General Assembly. The initiative aims to provide safe drinking water to all by 2030 by removing lead pipes and other sources of contamination. The initiative brings together more than 60 countries, as well as international organizations and non-governmental organizations.

Join the pledge!

Use this form to express your country’s or organizational interest in becoming a Partner on the Pledge (our team will follow-up with you).
become a partner
read the pledge
This website is managed by the UNC Water Institute on behalf of the informal Toxic Metals Working Group. The contents of this website do not necessarily reflect the positions of the individual partner countries and organizations. Within the context of the World Health Organization’s work on water quality and safety, the WHO is committed to supporting Member States in achieving the commitments in this pledge.

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