Flushing and a point-of-use (POU) ion exchange unit were tested as a means to reduce copper and lead concentrations, that are above the recommended levels, in two public water supplies. Elevated copper and lead levels are attributed to the reaction of the source water with plumbing materials. Flushing was effective at a sink that was located upstream in the distribution system. It was ineffective at a water fountain located at the far end of the distribution system. These results indicate that the success of flushing may depend on the outlet location in the building, which relates to the distribution system length and the residence time of water in contact with plumbing materials. The ion exchange unit was capable of removing copper in drinking water; however, at breakthrough, elevated copper concentrations exceeded the action level. Frequent replacement of the cartridge or an automatically-regenerating ion exchange unit would be necessary to ensure that drinking water standards are met.