How can you determine if there is lead in your drinking water?
If your water comes from a well or other private water supply, check with your local health department or nearby water utilities for information on contaminants of concern in your area.
The EPA requires all community water systems to prepare an annual water supply report called a “Consumer Confidence Report” by July 1st of each year. Contact your local water utility if you’d like to receive a copy of their latest report.
You can also have your water tested for lead. Since you can’t see, taste or smell lead dissolved in water, testing is the only sure way of knowing whether there are harmful quantities of lead in your drinking water. A list of certified laboratories is available from your state or local water authority. Testing typically costs between $20 and $100.
If you have questions, contact your water supplier as they might have useful information for you, such as whether the service connectors used in your home or area are made of lead.
