Lead Sampling

Issues of lead in drinking water

According to the EPA, lead can enter drinking water when plumbing materials contain lead corrode, especially where the water has high acidity or low mineral content that corrodes pipes and fixtures. The most common sources of lead in drinking water are lead pipes, faucets, and fixtures. In homes with lead pipes that connect the home to the water main, also known as lead services lines, these pipes are typically the most significant source of lead in the water. Lead pipes are more likely to be found in older cities and homes built before 1986. Among homes without lead service lines, the most common problem is with brass or chrome-plated brass faucets and plumbing with lead solder.

Lead sampling methods and techniques

According to the EPA, if lead is found in drinking water, it is important to identify where it is coming from within the water system–that means taking samples at every stage, from the distribution system all the way to the plumbing system inside the home, also known as premise plumbing.

There are many types of sampling techniques available to assess the presence of lead in drinking water. A few techniques are diagnostic water sampling, exposure sampling, water quality zone-based random day-time (RDT) sampling (composite samplers). 

The two-step lead sample protocol

ERS provides 24/7 pickup drop off access at each of its  locations. We have a large fleet of instrumentation to handle the largest projects. The EPA recommends the following protocol for 2-step Sampling at the Tap.