Lead and Water Testing Services

Cinnaminson, NJ, April 22^nd, 2021

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced the first significant updates to the agency’s Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) in almost 30 years. The new rule strengthens substantial aspects of the LCR to better protect children and communities from the risks of lead exposure in drinking water.

Some key aspects of the changes include:
 

• For the first time, the new Lead and Copper Rule requires that community water systems test for lead in drinking water and fountains in elementary schools and childcare facilities that they serve.
• The new rule triggers actions to address lead earlier in more communities and reduces lead by effectively managing corrosion control treatment, closing loopholes, and replacing more lead service lines in their entirety.
• Water systems across the nation are required to identify and make public the locations of lead service lines in their states.

“Lead is rarely found in source water, so the changes to the EPA's LCR is an important step towards safer drinking water for everyone,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “When lead is detected at elevated levels in drinking water, it is typically due to the metal leaching from plumbing materials from the affected building or from the water service line used to bring water from the main into the structure. Dealing with the sources of lead-containing service lines and faucets is important because even at low levels, lead may cause a range of health effects, including behavioral problems and learning disabilities, high blood pressure, kidney problems, and other health concerns. EMSL offers lead, heavy metal, chemical, microbial, and other water testing services from our laboratories located across the United States and Canada. The only way to know what is in the water is for it to be tested. These services, sampling supplies, and easy-to-use test kits are available to water utilities, regulatory agencies, health professionals, property managers, facility managers, and the public."

EMSL Analytical sponsored an educational video several years ago about lead hazards in drinking water that can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/2kvtAcpw1MY.

To learn more about lead or other water testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com. To access a Drinking Water Test Kit for lead and other contaminants, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories 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, VOC’s, 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-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC 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.