Understanding Your Lead Results

Your results show whether lead was detected, and at what level, for each tap you sampled.

If you tested more than one tap, you will see separate results for each tap. For your main drinking or cooking tap, you will see:

• One result for the first-draw sample
• One result for the 30-second flush sample

Recommendations are based on both the lead level and the type of sample collected.

The detection of lead in the first draw and flush samples helps determine the locations of potential sources of lead in your home’s plumbing system.

• High first draw samples indicate your faucet fixture is likely the source of lead.
• High 30-second flush samples indicate there are lead sources in plumbing behind your faucet fixtures.
• If both samples are high, you might have multiple sources of lead in your plumbing.

Lead results are measured in parts per billion (ppb).

It is a way to measure very small amounts of lead in water. One ppb is about the same as one drop of water in a backyard swimming pool. Even low levels of lead in water can be harmful, especially for young children.

The pattern of your results may help show where lead could be entering the water.

• A higher first-draw result can suggest lead sources near the tap, such as the faucet, fixture parts, or nearby plumbing.
• A higher 30-second flush result can suggest lead sources farther from the tap, such as plumbing deeper in the home.
• If both samples are elevated, there may be more than one source of lead.

These results help guide what to do next, but they do not always identify the exact source.

If your result is below the laboratory detection limit of 0.1 ppb, the test did not detect lead above the smallest amount the lab can reliably measure.

We still recommend practicing clean water habits to keep exposure as low as possible.

If lead was detected at 0.1 ppb or higher, we recommend practicing clean water habits and implementing low-cost solutions.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that lead in water should not exceed 1 ppb.

If your result is 5 ppb or higher, we strongly recommend low-cost solutions to remove lead and reduce exposure.

If your result is 10 ppb or higher, then immediately stop using the tap for drinking and cooking. You must restrict use of the tap until you have taken steps to reduce lead and follow-up testing shows the lead level is below the state action level.

To lower lead levels, start with simple, low-cost steps and review the additional guidance on our What to Do About Lead in Water resource page.

If your result is 150 ppb or higher, then immediately stop using the tap for drinking and cooking. This may point to additional sources of lead in your piping or plumbing. You must restrict use of the tap until you have taken steps to reduce lead and follow-up testing shows the lead level is below the state action level.

To lower lead levels, review the additional guidance on our What to Do About Lead in Water resource page.