What is a key outcome of proper lead testing in drinking water?

The key outcome of proper lead testing in drinking water is ensuring the elimination of lead contamination. Lead can pose serious health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women. By conducting lead testing, water systems can identify sources of lead, such as lead pipes or solder, and take appropriate action to mitigate the risk of exposure. This testing is essential for safeguarding public health, as even low levels of lead can have adverse effects on cognitive and physical development in children and can lead to long-term health issues for all individuals.

While improvement of plumbing aesthetics, reduction of water temperature, and enhancement of water hardness may be beneficial in some contexts, they are not direct outcomes of lead testing. The primary goal is to assess and eliminate lead contamination to ensure the safety and quality of drinking water.