neutronbumblebee@mander.xyzTwo ways.
First, that water generally was moving when in the pipe system - sitting time was minimal. Since these werenât modern pressurized systems that started-and-stopped as-needed, they had a steady flow, minimizing the time for any given amount of water to absorb lead in the pipes.
Second, related to that constant movement and the mountainous water sources of Roman aqueducts, calcium would build up on the inside, forming a layer that prevented direct contact of the lead with the water.
Roman texts still recommend clay or copper alloy piping for drinking water, but this was not always followed, since lead is a very handy metal and the risk wasnât massive.
terranoid@lemmy.cafe âš2â© âšweeksâ© ago
We still use lead pipes to this day. Itâs not a major problem unless you do some dumbass shit like in Flint Michigan. They had and used lead pipes for like 50 years and they treated the water so it didnât corrode the pipes, and created some protective layer.
Then they switched water sources to save money besides being told not to, and the water was naturally corrosive and dissolved the protective layer and their water was fucked by lead.