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Lead
Lead can leach into water from the soil, but lead pipes can also add lead to the water. When concentrations are greater than 0.01 mg/L, lead can cause health problems; severe lead poisoning can stunt growth and cause brain, kidney or nervous system damage. In the United States, it has been illegal to use lead in pipes for potable water since 1986, but the plumbing systems in most homes still contain some lead. Flushing cold water through the pipes before drinking or cooking can help lower the concentration of lead in the water.
Copper
Copper is another metal that can leach into groundwater through the soil, but it can also make its way into water through plumbing as copper pipes corrode. Copper can make water taste bitter and may also stain clothing or sinks and tubs at concentrations higher than 1.0 mg/L. Below those concentrations, however, the copper in water is beneficial, as the human body requires it to function.
Iron
The corrosion of iron pipes can lead to excess iron in your water; the water may taste metallic and contain visible reddish-brown particles that settle to the bottom of a glass or tub. Rust-colored stains may appear on laundry or plumbing. Like copper, iron is essential to the function of human body and is not considered harmful in the amounts found in potable water.
Hard Water
The term "hard water" refers to water that has a lot of manganese and calcium in it. Hard water can leave mineral deposits behind on the pipes that it runs through. These minerals might also leave deposits in tubs and sinks or keep soap from lathering well, but the build-up also reduces contact with the pipes and keeps the metals from leaching into the water. In this way, hard water can help keep iron, copper and lead levels in water from becoming too high.