How to Sample for Lead and Copper
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires water utilities to test for lead at the tap in homes, schools, and child care facilities served by a lead service line, galvanized service line, or service line of unknown material.
Your utility will require one of two types of sampling:
- First-draw sampling
- First-and-fifth liter sampling
Your kit will have either one or five one-liter bottles, depending on which type your utility requires.
Why do I need five samples?
Regardless of whether your utility requires first-draw only or first-and-fifth liter sampling, your samples must include the first draw, which means the water must go unused for six hours prior to collection.
In first-and-fifth liter sampling, the fifth-liter sample increases the likelihood that samples capture water that has been sitting in contact with lead service lines. Both the first- and fifth-liter samples must be analyzed for lead and copper.
If you have been sent either a first-liter only or a first-and-fifth liter lead testing kit, you can follow along these instructions to complete testing.
Prepare to sample
Check your kit for the following
- 1-5 bottles
- Chain of custody form
- Return shipping label
Set your bottles near the tap you will sample. Do not throw away the box and bubble wrap. You will use these to ship your samples back.
Choose the right time time to sample
To collect a first-draw sample, water in the home must not be used for at least 6 hours before sampling.
That means:
- Do not run any faucets
- Do not flush toilets
- Do not wash hands
- Do not shower or bathe
- Do not use appliances that draw water
Early morning is often the easiest time to sample. If any water was used during the 6-hour waiting period, stop and sample the next day instead.
Check kitchen sink for a filter
The tap where you sample should not have a filter. If it does, choose another unfiltered tap, like the bathroom sink. Samples should be collected from an interior kitchen or bathroom sink.
Avoid common mistakes
Collect samples with cold tap water, not hot.
Do not use any water in the home for at least 6 hours before sampling.
Do not wash your hands before collecting “first-draw” samples.
Do not sample a tap that has a filter. Choose another, unfiltered tap instead.
If your sink has an aerator, do not remove it.
How to collect your samples
Open the bottles
Remove lids from the bottles and place them near the tap.Collect the first-draw sample
Turn on the cold water and fill the first bottle to the neck.Collect any remaining samples.
If you have four other bottles, fill those, too.Close the bottles
Tightly replace each cap so the bottles will not leak during shipping.
Fill out forms
Immediately after sampling, fill out your chain of custody form.
Include:
- Who collected the samples
- The date
- The time each sample was collected
- If you did not sample your kitchen tap, write down which tap you sampled instead.
Pack samples
- Tightly close each bottle, place them into their zip bag, and seal it.
- Put the chain of custody form along with any other forms and seal them in the second zip bag.
- Put everything back in the box. If you no longer have the original box, use another sturdy box.
- Place the return shipping label over the previous label on the box.
- Seal the box securely with shipping tape.
Schedule a UPS pickup
- Ship the samples within 7 days of collection.
- Schedule a free UPS pickup online at www.ups.com/pickup
or call 1-800-742-5877. - Give UPS your phone number and label tracking number.
- Place your box outside for UPS pickup.