A new report on lead levels in tap water is raising concerns in Brooklyn, and the Department of Environmental Protection is offering tips on how to protect yourself.

According to the Department of Environmental Protection's website, the city monitors a selection of homes that have lead service lines, fixtures or solders.

The department says it adds phosphoric acid, a common food preservative, to the water that reduces the release of lead from household plumbing.

Property owners can replace their lead pipes, but a plumber News 12 spoke to says it's not an easy or cheap job.

According to the study, there are currently no requirements to mandate removal of plumbing materials in private buildings, regardless of the lead concentration in the water.

The DEP suggests running tap water until its cold. It says to use cold water for drinking, cooking and baby formula.

It says do not boil water to remove lead, and make sure to clean faucet screens.

The department is offering a free lead testing kit to anyone who requests one.

The study shows that lead levels in tap water have been trending down, and the issue is only effecting a small percentage of small, old buildings.