* Run the tap three to five minutes before drinking city water to flush the pipes. The water temperature should change noticeably once the flushing is complete. Repeat whenever water has sat in the pipes six hours or longer.

* Avoid using hot water for drinking or cooking. Instead heat water in the microwave or on the stove.

* Periodically clean or replace aerators or strainers on faucets because they can trap plumbing debris that might contain lead.

SOME OTHER TREATMENT OPTIONS INCLUDE:

FILTERS

There are two main categories of filters -- point-of-entry and point-of-use. Point-of-use filters include pitchers and dispensers, faucet filtration, refrigerator filters and under-the-sink filters. Point-of-entry filters connect to the water main and clean water throughout the house. These can require professional installation. Depending on the design, filters are able to reduce many types of contaminants, including chlorine, chlorination by-products, lead and parasites. Look for filters labeled NSF/ANSI standard 53 (for drinking water) and that are certified to remove the contaminants of concern in your water.

OXIDATION/FILTRATION SYSTEMS

Excessive levels of iron and manganese can be treated through a process known as oxidation, which is then followed by filtration. These systems are generally large and designed to treat water for the whole house; they can also be used to treat for hydrogen sulfide.

REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEMS

Reverse osmosis systems work by using pressure to force water through a semi-permeable membrane. The types of metals and minerals reduced by reverse osmosis include sodium, chloride and heavy metals, such as copper, chromium and lead. Some of these systems also can reduce some forms of arsenic, fluoride and nitrates.

DISTILLATION SYSTEMS

Distillation systems boil water, which vaporizes and is condensed back into water in a separate chamber. During distillation, dissolved metals and minerals, such as arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium and lead, are left behind. For this reason, they are usually designed to produce enough water for drinking and cooking only.

ULTRAVIOLET TREATMENT SYSTEMS

Ultraviolet treatment systems use ultraviolet (UV) light to kill microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses, although some systems on the market are designed to treat heterotrophic bacteria (those requiring organic compounds of carbon and nitrogen for nourishment) only. UV systems have no chemical or mechanical reduction properties.

Once you have a system, you can't just forget about it. Filters must be properly maintained or replaced at certain intervals.