NCWS SAMPLING INSTRUCTIONS
FOR LEAD & COPPER IN DRINKING WATER
1)
One liter, FIRST DRAW tap water samples are required to be taken from the cold
water in either the kitchen or bathroom faucet.
2)
Water must be allowed to stand motionless in plumbing pipes for at least six
hours before a sample is taken.
3)
Do not let the water stand for a weekend or a long period of time, because you
could also get a false positive. Schools should collect samples in May, June
or September while school is in session.
4)
If you are forced to take samples during non operational periods, then run the
water for ten minutes, let it stand for six hours, then take the first draw.
5)
FILL EACH BOTTLE FROM A DIFFERENT LOCATION (Kitchen, Café etc.)
6)
Please Fill out the Lead & Copper Site Information Sheet, as well as the
McHenry Anlytical Chain of Custody. Please indicate: Tier Type, Building
Name, TAP Type, TAP Location, Date of sampled. Sign sampler and
relinquished by signature locations on Chain of Custody. IDPH WILL NOT
ACCEPT ANY SAMPLES TAKEN OUTSIDE OF THESE GUIDELINES.
Water Piping Materials Survey: A materials survey conducted prior to sampling must
be done to identify proper sampling taps and to assist in the interpretation of results.
*TIER 1
Buildings or additions served by the
water system are defined as TIER 1 locations if they:
-
Have copper pipes with lead soldered joints installed
between January 1983, and May 1986.
-
Have lead pipes
-
Are served by a lead service line
*TIER 2
Buildings or additions identified as
having copper pipes with lead soldered joints installed
before 1983 are TIER 2 locations.
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Sample bottles may be preserved with 2 ml of concentrated nitric acid. DO NOT RINSE!
Fill the container to the neck. Avoid contact with the preservative. Should contact be
made, flush with clean water. Treat as a burn. Consult your physician if necessary.
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