Testing Your Water For Lead

Drinking Water Sampling and Testing for Lead - Representative Household Use

Many customers are interested in knowing the level of lead in the water their family consumes. 

The following instructions for testing drinking water represent typical water consumption.  This testing process provides information on lead in water that has been used regularly and not left unused in household piping for extended periods. This testing process provides a more accurate indication of lead exposure from home drinking water.  

How to Take a Representative Tap Water Sample for Testing
 

  1. Water should be taken from a kitchen cold water faucet that is regularly used.
  2. Right before or right after you use water for consumption (filling a water glass, making juice or formula, etc.), fill the sample bottle provided by your water department or commercial laboratory. 
  3. Cap the bottle tightly.
  4. The label provided should be filled out and placed on the sample bottle. 
  5. Fill out the top portion of the Chain of Custody form, sign and date it. 
  6. Return the sample bottle and filled out form to your local water department or the commercial laboratory according to their instructions. 

For More Information on Lead Testing of Drinking Water

Please contact the MWRA Water quality Hotline at: (617) 242-5323 with any questions, or contact your local water department. 

For a list of laboratories offering drinking water analytical services for private well owners and residential customers, see MassDEP Certified Laboratories Offering Analytical Services for Private Well Owners and Residential Customers

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