Lead and Copper

Eurofins Environment Testing: Your Trusted Partner for Drinking Water Investigations

Eurofins Environment Testing is strategically positioned to support comprehensive drinking water investigations and monitoring for water infrastructure across the U.S. Our ISO 17025-accredited laboratories are certified by the NELAC Institute (TNI) and other federal, state, and private organizations, enabling us to efficiently analyze drinking water samples and meet the demands of any sampling event. With state-of-the-art instrumentation that complies with stringent low-level state requirements, Eurofins has become the premier laboratory network for lead and copper testing in drinking water monitoring programs.

Important Regulatory Updates

On October 10, 2019, U.S. EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler signed the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations: Proposed Lead and Copper Rule Revisions. Local utilities will be required to test for lead in childcare facilities and schools, as well as inventory lead service lines and publicly disclose these findings. The U.S. EPA aims to establish a 'trigger level' of 10 ppb for lead in drinking water, which is more stringent than the current action level of 15 ppb.

Addressing the Lead and Copper Crisis in Drinking Water

Recent national news has amplified concerns about lead and copper in drinking water, highlighting challenges in our infrastructure. Lead contamination typically results from the corrosion of plumbing materials, such as lead service lines, which connect the drinking water main to homes and buildings. Additional sources of lead can include lead solder and brass fixtures. Due to the corrosion-related nature of lead contamination, the EPA has established a treatment technique—rather than a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL)—to control lead, known as the Lead and Copper Rule.

Collaborative Responsibility for Safe Drinking Water

The responsibility for reducing lead in drinking water and ensuring its safety is shared among the EPA, state authorities, and local water systems. The EPA implements the Lead and Copper Rule and sets national standards, while states enforce the requirements under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). Water systems are required to meet these standards, with specific responsibilities varying by jurisdiction.

Lead and Copper Rule Action Levels

The Lead and Copper Rule sets action levels at 0.015 mg/L (ppm) for lead and 1.3 mg/L for copper, emphasizing the need for robust testing and monitoring.

How Eurofins Can Assist with Lead and Copper Testing

Choose Eurofins as your laboratory partner for reliable and accurate drinking water testing for lead and copper. Here’s how we can help:

• Convenient Locations and Courier Service: We offer courier and pack-and-ship services nationwide, with trained couriers skilled in sample handling, transport, and chain-of-custody procedures.
• Comprehensive Data Deliverables: Our fully searchable PDF reports enable quick data access, helping you reduce management and validation costs.
• Rapid Data Delivery: Enjoy 24/7 secure access to project information through MyEOL, Eurofins’ online data management portal, providing cost-effective and timely data delivery.
• Nationwide Network of Expertise: Benefit from our full-service capabilities across multiple Eurofins laboratories, ensuring comprehensive support.
• Reliable Sampling Equipment: We provide essential sampling supplies, including bottles, coolers, packing materials, and chains of custody.
• Timely Project Management: Our experienced project managers ensure projects are completed on schedule and within budget, guiding you in defining the best analytical approaches to meet your data quality objectives.

Contact Eurofins for Your Drinking Water Testing Needs

Partner with Eurofins Environment Testing for expert lead and copper testing in drinking water. Our extensive experience, rigorous quality control, and commitment to compliance make us the ideal choice for ensuring safe drinking water in your community. Contact us today to learn more about our services.