Cinnaminson, New Jersey, January 28, 2025
In late October, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published information about lead exposure risks from private well water and its potential impact on children’s health. This is an important topic as the agency believes millions of households across the United States rely on private well water for drinking.
According to the EPA:
There is no requirement for monitoring lead or other contaminants in private water wells, as they are not federally regulated, and most states have limited regulations on private drinking water wells. Accordingly, it is important that households with private wells regularly test the quality of their drinking water.
While lead is rarely found in source water, it can enter water through the corrosion of plumbing materials such as old lead pipes, and brass or chrome-plated brass faucets and fixtures. These can leach significant amounts of lead into the water, especially with hot water. Several years ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cautioned that private wells more than 20 years old could contain lead in the "packer" element that is used to help seal the well above the well screen. CDC also warned that some brands of older submersible pumps used in wells may also contain leaded-brass components.
“The only way to know if lead is a potential problem for those dependent on private wells is to have the water tested,” said Joseph Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “At EMSL Analytical, we provide laboratory services to assess lead exposure hazards. Our water quality testing experts can also analyze the physical characteristics of water samples and test for a wide range of microbial and chemical contaminants. We also offer sampling supplies and easy-to-use test kits to quickly and affordably provide this important information to private well owners.”
EMSL sponsored an educational video about private wells and testing drinking water quality several years ago that can still be seen at: https://youtu.be/9mtMqsTiNag
To learn more about lead and water testing, please visit www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com, or call (800) 220-3675. For access to Drinking Water Test Kits, visit www.WaterTestKitEMSL.com.
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.