Is Lead and Copper in Water Testing Right for You?
The safety of drinking water transcends individual health concerns and taps into the public’s broader well-being, directly impacting various stakeholders, including homeowners, landlords, tenants, plumbers, management companies, parents, and school operators. The looming threat posed by contaminants like lead and copper is not just a matter of water quality but a critical public health issue. This document delves into the significance of testing for lead and copper in water, providing an informative guide by Olympian Water testing Experts to help you decide whether this testing is pertinent to your situation.
Historical Context and Current Relevance
Lead and copper, two seemingly innocuous elements, have a notorious history with water.
- Lead: Historically, the dangers of lead were unknown, and its usage in pipes, solder, and fixtures was common. However, it’s now known that lead can leach into water from these sources, especially where the water has high acidity or low mineral content. According to the EPA, even low levels of lead in the blood of children can result in behavior and learning problems, lower IQ and hyperactivity, slowed growth, and anemia. In rare cases, ingestion of lead can cause seizures, coma, and even death.
- Copper: Unlike lead, copper is an essential nutrient. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) notes that excess levels can cause stomach and intestinal distress, liver damage, or kidney disease.
Given these effects, it’s clear that the presence of lead and copper in drinking water should be a concern for everyone, not just those in high-risk areas.
Understanding Your Risk
Several factors can increase your risk of exposure to lead and copper in your water.
- Age of Plumbing Infrastructure: Homes and buildings constructed before 1986 are more likely to have lead pipes, fixtures, and solder. However, even ‘lead-free’ plumbing may contain up to 8% lead and can still contribute to lead exposure (EPA).
- Corrosivity of Water: If your water has high acidity or low mineral content, it’s more likely to leach metals out of pipes.
- Residence Duration: The length of time water stays in pipes can influence lead and copper levels. Stagnant water tends to accumulate more contaminants.
- Public vs. Private Supply: Are you connected to a public water supply or do you have a private well? Knowing the source of your water can help you determine your risk level and testing needs.
Who Should Consider Testing?
- Homeowners and Tenants: If you live in an older home or are experiencing unexplained health symptoms, lead water testing can provide peace of mind or a path to mitigation.
- Landlords and Management Companies: You’re responsible for providing safe living conditions. Testing helps protect you from potential liability and your tenants from health risks.
- School Operators: Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of lead and copper. Regular water testing for lead and copper is crucial for schools and childcare facilities.
- Plumbers: Professionals involved in residential or commercial plumbing can offer valuable advice on when and how to test for contaminants, and interpret results for action.
Why Testing is Essential: The Value Proposition
- Health and Development: Protecting against neurodevelopmental effects in children and health issues in adults.
- Legal Compliance and Liability: Staying compliant with local and federal regulations to avoid lawsuits and fines.
- Property Value and Investment: Ensuring safe water can enhance property value and appeal.
- Community Trust and Reputation: For schools and businesses, water safety affects your image and community’s trust.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing your water’s safety can relieve unneeded stress and concern.
For More Helpful Information Please Visit Each of These Pages:
Learn from our blog, research & technical papers in AquaWiki
Visit our company page to learn about Olympian Water Testing
Resources for NY and NJ School and daycare water testing
Lead and copper drinking water analysis
Our Regulatory water potability analysis & sampling procedure
Read about water contaminants from Dr. Yasir A Rehman Ph.D.
Learn about PFAS from Dr. Yasir
Learn about VOCs by Dr. Yasir in his technical research paper
Video by Dr. Yasir about heavy metals in drinking water
Dr. Yasir speaks to parents on video about lead in drinking water
Proactive Steps and Best Practices
- Regular Testing: If you’re at risk, regular water testing for heavy metals is crucial. The frequency can vary based on several factors, including previous test results, changes in water taste or color, and regional advisories.
- Use Certified Laboratories: Ensure that your testing is conducted by state-certified water testing labs, like through Olympian Water Testing, to guarantee accurate NELAP accredited results.
- Follow-Up Actions: If tests indicate concerning levels of lead or copper, consider using water filters, replacing lead-containing fixtures, and possibly consulting with a healthcare provider.
- Stay Informed and Educated: Understanding your local water supply and staying updated on regulations or advisories can help you make informed decisions.
Making the Informed Decision
Deciding whether to test your water for lead and copper is a decision that warrants considering various factors including historical, geographical, and situational contexts. This comprehensive guide aims to provide you with the information necessary to make that decision confidently and to take steps towards ensuring safe, clean water for you, your family, or those under your care or service. Remember, proactive water testing isn’t just a health measure; it’s an investment in peace of mind.
More guidance for parents on lead in drinking water.
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Have questions or ready to schedule a test? Contact Olympian Water Testing today for expert and efficient commercial and residential infrastructure water testing services for Lead and Copper. Your clean water solution is just a message away.
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Reviews
"We have a newborn and were afraid of the routine brown water we were getting. Olympian found high trace levels of lead in our drinking water at the kitchen sink. We just ordered service to test the rest of our sinks."
"They were very meticulous and professional collecting lead in drinking water samples for our recent school license renewal. The laboratory technician arrived promptly at 5am as scheduled. The approach for providing and explaining the results was perfectly thorough and simplified everything. We use Olympian Water Testing at all our schools when needed."
Olympian Water Testing came out to my home last week. They sent a lab technician to collect the samples (a very professional and sterile procedure). They found extremely high levels of copper and lead in my drinking water to the point that I was encouraged and warned to NOT drink the water. After my plumber locates the source and makes repairs, I will have them come back to retest again. I received very personal and high end service.
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FAQs
We provide lead in water testing services for commercial, residential and industrial premises. Drinking water contributes an estimated 10–20% of the total lead exposure of the general population (U.S. EPA 1991); formula-fed infants can have higher exposures. Drinking-water lead levels > 15 ppb are associated with a 14% increase in the percentage of children with BLLs > 10 ug/dL
The cost of our water testing services depends on various factors. We are happy to provide you with a detailed quote as well as a phone consultation.
Once the water leaves the treatment plant, it is within normal and accepted standards set by the EPA and various City regulations. The chance of contamination and change of water chemistry happens after it leaves the plant and often it occurs the most, right in your own home.
Olympian Water testing Provides On Site Professional Regulatory Water Testing Services Throughout Paterson, Newark, Elizabeth, Union, Jersey City, North Bergen, Bayonne, Woodbridge, New Brunswick, Secaucus, Hoboken, Kearny, West New York, Edison, Plainfield and most surrounding New Jersey areas.
Olympian Water testing Provides On Site Professional Regulatory Water Testing Services Throughout NYC, Manhattan NY, Brooklyn NY, The Bronx NY, Queens NY, Yonkers NY, Staten Island NY, Nassau County and most surrounding New York Areas.
