Water

Drinking Water Testing Services

As one of the leading lead laboratories in the nation, EHS analyzes water samples for lead and copper content from school districts and child care facilities across the country.

Nearly 56 million Americans, including 53 million children spend five or more days a week in school buildings.  Because exposure to lead can cause serious health problems, particularly for young children, school officials need to know if the water consumed by students, teachers, and staff contains elevated levels of lead

Although public water systems that supply water to most schools may meet EPA’s lead standards, lead can still get into school drinking water.  As water moves through a school’s plumbing system, lead can leach into the drinking water from mental development plumbing materials and fixtures that contain lead.  Testing is the ONLY WAY for schools to know if there are elevated levels of lead in a facility’s drinking water.

Potential Sources of Lead and Copper in Drinking Water:

• Lead solder
• Lead pipe and pipe fittings
• Fixtures, valves, meters and other system components containing brass
• Sediments

Home Inspectors & Environmental Professionals

Often times our clients are involved with projects, such as home inspections or real estate transactions, which require more than lead and copper analysis. In those cases we offer WaterSmart Kits which are analyzed by our sister lab, National Testing Laboratories.

As one of the largest independent laboratories in the country, National Testing Laboratories (NTL) specializes in the analysis of drinking water for chemical and microbiological contamination.

Real Estate Transactions:

A “conventional loan” will only require a Coliform Bacteria test be performed. A concerned buyer may want other tests done on the water such as those listed below for FHA and VA loans but they are not required.

For FHA and VA loans, Coliform Bacteria, Lead, Nitrates, Nitrites, and Turbidity are normally a requirement.

Well Water Testing Recommendations:

• Annually for bacteria, nitrates/nitrites, and any contaminants of local concern
• More frequently than once a year if there is a change in the taste, odor, or appearance of the well water, or if a problem occurs such as a broken well cap or a new contamination source
• If family members or houseguests have recurrent incidents of gastrointestinal illness
• If an infant is living in the home
• To monitor the efficiency and performance of home water treatment equipment.

For more information on WaterSmart Kits or for a complete menu services available through NTL, please contact your sales representative.