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Elevated lead levels found at some drinking water kiosks

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February 17, 2026

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A study published in Environmental Science & Technology examined the safety of water dispensed from freestanding water vending kiosks and found that some samples contained lead at concentrations nearly twice the level recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The researchers traced the contamination to corrosion of brass plumbing components inside the kiosks, according to a review of the study by the American Chemical Society, published on Phys.org. Although labeled "lead-free," these parts can still leach small amounts of lead, particularly under the low-pH, low-alkalinity conditions created by reverse osmosis treatment. The authors conclude that replacing internal metal components with alternative materials could significantly reduce lead risks.

Operators of water kiosks often treat local tap water using methods such as filtration, ultraviolet light or reverse osmosis to remove contaminants, including lead, microbes, disinfectant byproducts and PFAS. Despite these treatment steps, oversight of kiosk systems remains limited.

To evaluate water quality, researchers collected samples from 20 kiosks operated by four manufacturers across Iowa and nearby states, including Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma. For comparison, they also collected tap water samples from municipal sources located within one mile of each kiosk. Laboratory analysis found no microbial contamination in any of the samples, and RO treatment was effective at removing most PFAS from the source water.