Testing Labs

If you're interested in checking to see if lead is leaching from your household plumbing into your home's tap water, you should get your water tested. Below is a list of labs that are DEP Certified to test household tap water for lead. Visit the DEP web site for more information and a searchable database of labs.

How to Take a Tap Water Sample for Testing

MWRA recommends taking samples from the kitchen's cold water faucet.

  1. The first sample should be taken in a manner similar to what is recommended by EPA regulation. This includes sampling the "first flush" of water that has been standing dormant (unused) for six or more hours, usually overnight. This first flush sample tests the worst-case scenario of the water and determines how much lead may be leaching from your household plumbing.

  2. The second sample is more representative of your daily water use, and should be taken after running the faucet. MWRA recommends taking the second sample after running the faucet for two minutes or after normal water use in the morning.

If you have any questions, please call the MWRA Water Quality Hotline: (617) 242-5323, or contact your local water department.

DEP Certified Testing Labs: Lead Testing Centers

Please note that prices are subject to change. Please contact the labs for current prices.

City/TownLab Information
AgawamEurofins Spectrum Analytical LLC

Tel: (413) 789-9018

11 Algren Drive, Agawam MA, 01001-0000

Cost: $25.00

Transport: pick up container, mail or drop it off.
AyerNashoba Analytical LLC

Tel: (978) 391-4428

31A Willow Rd., Ayer MA, 01432-0000

Cost: contact lab directly for details

Transport: pick up container, mail or drop it off.
DanversNortheast Environmental Lab

Tel: (978) 777-4442

41 Dayton Street, Danvers, MA 01923

Cost: $50.00 for 2 samples

Turnaround time: 5-10 days

Transport: pick up container, mail or drop it off.
East LongmeadowCon-Test Analytical

Tel: (413) 525-2332

39 Spruce St., East Longmeadow, MA 01028

Cost: $20.00 per sample $75.00 minimum

Turnaround time: 10 days

Transport: by mail or courier
MansfieldAlpha Analytical Labs

Tel: (508) 822-9300

320 Forbes Blvd., Mansfield, MA 02048

Cost: Contact lab directly for details

Turnaround time: 2 weeks

Transport: pick up container, mail or drop it off.
MiddleboroughAnalytical Balance Corp.

Tel: (508) 946-2225

422 West Grove St., Middleboro, MA

Cost: $17.00

Turnaround time: 7-10 days

Transport: pick up container, mail or drop it off.
SandwichEnvirotech Laboratories, Inc.

Tel: (508) 888-6460

449 Route 130, Sandwich, MA 02563

Cost: $25.00

Turnaround time: 3-4 business days

Transport: pick up container, mail or drop it off.