Lead in drinking water
Lead in drinking water usually comes from your home's pipes, solder, or fixtures — not the water source. A certified first-draw sample is how you find it.
Infants and pregnant people are most at risk. Do not rely on a strip or a utility average; test the tap you actually use.
What to test
- Lead (and often copper) on a first-draw sample after six or more hours without use.
- Follow the lab's bottle and timing instructions exactly.
City water: also read your utility's CCR. Official lab contacts: EPA certified laboratory contacts.