Household Testing

We help water utilities test for chemical contaminants at the point of use in homes, schools, child care facilities, and more. If you're here, it's likely because your water utility has asked us to test at the tap in your home or facility.

These frequently asked questions can help you determine whether you should test your water for lead.

In 1988, the US began regulating the amount of lead in pipes and plumbing fixtures. That means homes built before 1988 might have more lead in pipes and plumbing components than newer homes. If your home was built before 1988 you may want to test.

Well water can have characteristics that make it more likely lead is present. If the water is corrosive, it can cause lead and other metals to move from the pipe into your water. Unlike public utilities, there are no requirements for monitoring corrosivity or lead levels. In addition, if your well was installed prior to 1988, well components and plumbing parts may contain higher levels of lead. If you have a private well, you should test for lead and other contaminants annually.

There is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Even the levels of lead that are allowable in regulated drinking water systems in the US are not safe for young children and infants. If you have children in your home who drinks the water, it is always a good idea to test for lead.

Most people are exposed to PFAS by drinking contaminated water, but PFAS have also been found in homes and other indoor settings. North Americans spend as much as 90% of their time indoors, making this another important way that people come into contact with PFAS. PFAS have been found in indoor air and dust, which can enter the human body through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact.

PFAS can be brought into homes through consumer products treated for water- or stain-resistance such as furniture, carpets and rugs, clothing, and cosmetics. Food packaging and non-stick cookware can also introduce PFAS into homes and foods. For more information see our consumer product safety report.

Dust acts as a collective measure of contaminants in indoor air and products. Therefore, measuring PFAS in dust can provide an overall picture of the levels and types of PFAS present in homes or indoor settings. Research has found links between levels of PFAS in house dust and human blood.

Young children are particularly susceptible to PFAS in dust and carpets because they crawl on floors and put their hands or other objects into their mouths.