1. Lead and Copper Sampling Procedures

2. Sampling for Lead and Copper
The purpose of these slides is to demonstrate recommended sampling techniques. This presentation includes:
supplies needed
sample tap selection
collection; and
shipping.

3. Sampling for Lead and Copper
We know and recognize that there are numerous techniques and methods for collecting drinking water samples. The idea of this presentation is to demonstrate the general method used while providing some helpful suggestions for sample collection, whether you are an owner, operator, or trainee. This presentation is in no way to be considered a substitute for the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and amendments.

4. What is the Lead and Copper Rule?
The Lead and Copper Rule was first published in the Federal Register on June 7, It became effective on December 7, This rule can trigger treatment requirements when lead and/or copper in drinking water exceed certain action levels.

5. What is the Lead and Copper Rule?
Lead enters drinking water mainly from the
corrosion of lead-containing
household plumbing.

6. Health Effects Short-term health effects include: interference
with red blood cell chemistry, delays in normal
physical and mental development in babies and
young children, slight deficits in attention span,
hearing, and learning abilities of children, and
slight increases in the blood pressure of some adults.
Long-term health effects can include stroke,
kidney disease, and cancer.

7. What is the Lead and Copper Rule?
Copper contamination generally occurs from the corrosion of household plumbing. Copper is an essential nutrient, required by the body only in small amounts normally obtained through normal food consumption.

8. However, copper can cause the following health effects:
What is the Lead and Copper Rule
However, copper can cause the following health effects:
stomach and intestinal distress
Liver and kidney damage; and
Anemia
Persons with Wilson’s Disease may be more sensitive than others to the effects of copper contamination.

9. What is the Lead and Copper Rule?
For the protection of public health, the EPA established Action Levels for lead and copper in drinking water. An action level is a limit, when the water is sampled, that at least ninety percent (90%) of your samples must be below. If the action level is exceeded, then further action is triggered and required.

10. What is the Lead and Copper Rule?
The Lead Action Level is point zero one five milligrams per liter (0.015 mg/L). Sometimes you’ll hear this referred to as 15 parts per billion or 15ppb. The copper action level is one point three milligrams per liter (1.3 mg/L) Which is sometimes referred to as 1.3 parts per million or 1.3ppm

11. What is the Lead and Copper Rule?
All community and non-transient non-community water systems are required to sample for lead and copper. Types of systems that might be included are:

12. What is the Lead and Copper Rule?
Cities
Manufactured housing
communities
Towns

13. What is the Lead and Copper Rule?
Subdivisions
Correctional Facilities
Hospitals

14. What is the Lead and Copper Rule?
Factories
and Day Care centers
to name a few
Office Buildings

15. What is the Lead and Copper Rule?
Important Note: It should be noted that there are different recommendations and sampling procedures for schools and childcare facilities that are not considered their own independent water system. For more details on EPA’s Lead in Schools program go to our website at:

16. What is the Lead and Copper Rule?
Lead and copper collected within community water systems should be collected at customers’ homes from the kitchen or bathroom cold water tap after the water has been in contact with the plumbing for at least 6 hours.

17. What is the Lead and Copper Rule?
In non-community water systems, the samples should be collected from interior drinking water taps after the water has been in contact with the plumbing for at least 6 hours, as well.

18. What is the Lead and Copper Rule
The number of samples required is based on the population served by the water system. The samples are then collected according to a schedule period, or compliance period every 3 years. During the first compliance period, samples are initially collected for 2 consecutive six-month monitoring periods (January to June and July to December), then sampling can be reduced to once per year for 2 additional years, and then ultimately to once every 3 years provided the 90th percentile has not been exceeded for either lead or copper. Samples during any of these periods must be collected during the months of June through September ONLY.

19. State Guidelines – Rules – Sample Requirements
Be sure to check with
your state or tribal
drinking water program office for additional guidelines, rules and/or sample requirements since they may be more stringent than those required by the federal Safe Drinking Water Act.

20. Lead and Copper Sampling Supplies
Before you begin sampling, it is important to have all of your supplies on hand. Here is a list of the suggested supplies you may need:

21. Cooler for shipping and storage of your sample
Lead and Copper Sampling Supplies
Cooler for shipping and storage of your sample
while in transit between collection point and lab.

22. Lead and Copper Sampling Supplies
Sampling Container

23. Lab slips, labels, and markers for sample container
Lead and Copper Sampling Supplies
Lab slips, labels, and markers for sample container
identification
Additional Recommended Items include paper towels for drying off the outside of your sample container after sampling.

24. Sampling Containers
Sampling containers for lead and copper are plastic and should be two 1-liter volume containers.

25. Sampling Containers
As a general rule, proper washing of hands is highly recommended for the sample collector.

26. Sampling Containers
Also, food, drink, and even 2nd hand cigarette smoke should never come into contact with the sample or its containers. These foreign objects have been suspected of causing false results in samples, so be sure to practice good clean sample collection procedures.

27. Sampling Containers
Do not sample with any containers that appear to have been tampered with since this may cause an undesirable sample result.

28. Sampling Procedures
The laboratory that supplies the sampling containers may provide instruction with the kit for the type of monitoring being performed. Be sure to refer to those instructions when provided.

29. Sampling Procedures
Samples are usually collected by water system personnel or by the customer. If the customer is collecting the samples, be sure to review the procedure with him or her when the sample kit is dropped off. The Lead and Copper Rule specifically states that a water system may not challenge the accuracy of sampling results based on alleged errors in sample collection.

30. Getting it right the first time is a must.
Sampling Procedures
Getting it right the first time is a must.

31. First Draw Sample This means that the water in the plumbing system
All tap samples must be first-draw samples, taken from a kitchen or bathroom sink cold water tap.
This means that the water in the plumbing system
should have stood motionless in the pipes for at
least six hours.

32. First Draw Sample
If the customer will be collecting the samples, instruct him or her not to use any water (including flushing the toilets or showering) for at least 6 hours prior to collecting the first-draw sample. Also ensure that all other water use is halted during these 6hrs. This can include refrigerator ice makers

33. First Draw Sample
Sometimes it is better to explain to the customer that this sample could be collected first thing in the morning

34. First Draw Sample
or after returning from work, if no water has been used during the previous 6 hours.

35. First Draw Sample
Fill out the sample label(s), indicating the date and time of sample collection, location, type of sample (first draw, service line, etc.), and the sampler’s name.

36. First Draw Sample
Before turning on the water to draw the sample, remove the cap from the container and position it under the faucet. Turn on the cold water tap and begin filling the container.

37. First Draw Sample
Fill to the 1 liter mark on the bottle or to the neck. Turn off the water.
The sample container should be tightly capped. Blot the sample container with a paper towel to dry it off.

38. First Draw Sample
It is recommended that you place the sample in a sealable plastic bag before shipping in a closed chest or box.

39. First Draw Sample
Refrigeration is not necessary, but if ice is used in shipping, it is recommended that it be bagged separately to eliminate any contamination of the sample.

40. First Draw Samples
Samples must be delivered to the analytical laboratory within 14 days for proper testing

41. First Draw Sample
Taping of the chest prior to shipping is recommended since the container can move around or come open during shipment.
Also be sure to tape the sample forms and any other sample documentation either inside the lid, or on the outside of the lid.

42. Service Line Sampling
Also be sure to tape the sample forms and any other sample documentation either inside the lid, or on the outside of the lid.
Systems required to conduct lead service line replacement programs may also be required to sample lead service lines.

43. Service Line Sampling
If the laboratory has any additional shipping recommendations or requirements, they should be read and followed closely.

44. Sampling Procedures
If you have any additional questions, please contact your state or tribal drinking water program office for assistance.
Following the proper drinking water sample collection procedures can lead to peace of mind, knowing that the test results truly represent the quality of water your customers are drinking. After all, isn’t our goal to ensure . . .

45. Lead and Copper Sampling Procedures
“Water Safe to Drink”