☐ Determine Which Fixtures to Sample
Many factors can contribute to selecting and prioritizing sampling locations. Some considerations:
• Oldest kn
own fixtures because these are more likely to contain lead (especially those installed
prior to the Lead Ban Act of 1986);
• Sampling sites should be those used for human consumption;
• Outlets that are used by children under the age of six or pregnant women (e.g., drinking
fountains, nurse’s office, early childhood education classroom, kitchen, teachers’ lounges);
• Areas with known service lines or lead pipes;
• Areas with corroded plumbing; and
• Frequency of use. The longer the water remains in contact with the lead plumbing material, the
potential increases for lead to leach into the water.
Testing each fixture used for human consumption
is important. During the first sampling round, if you
are not able to sample all fixtures in the building, the above factors can be used to prioritize the
sampling order. For example, first round samples may include drinking water fountains, water bottle
refill stations, sinks and kettles in kitchens, and nurse’s office sinks. If faucets are rarely used, consider
taking them out of service or designating them “not for human consumption,” if they cannot be
sampled. For more information on prioritizing sampling site locations, refer to
Module 4 in the 3Ts
Toolkit and answer the Plumbing Profile Questionnaire.
☐ Select a Certified Laboratory
Your school or child care facility should identify a
certified laboratory to analyze the water samples.
• Use a laboratory certified by the state or EPA for
testing lead in drinking water. Certified laboratories
have been validated by EPA or the state to use
appropriate analytical techniques that guarantee
accuracy and precision.
• Visit EPA’s Website or your state WIIN grant program
to find a list of certified drinking water labs and refer
to Module 4 in the 3Ts Manual for a list of
considerations when choosing a laboratory. Your
selected certified laboratory will be able to provide
sampling bottles, labels, relevant paperwork, and
specific instructions. Some may also offer to send
qualified individuals to collect the samples for you
(Be sure to check with the laboratory to determine if
there will be an extra cost for their sampling
services).
2
Questions to Ask Certified Laboratories
What is the cost of the laboratory’s services and
what is included?
Costs will vary, depending upon the extent of the
services provided (e.g., if only analyses are conducted
or if sample collection is provided as well), and some
laboratories may have bulk analysis rates for many
samples.
How quickly do I need to send back the
sample(s)?
Each laboratory has a different way of storing and
preserving your sample f rom the minute you collect it,
so ask how long you have to send it back.
What analytical techniques do you use?
Ask, do you use EPA -approved methods that can meet
low enough reporting limits (e.g., at or below 1 µg/L)?
This way, you can confirm the accuracy of the results
reported.