Drinking Water Testing

Officials in New Jersey recently notified over 180,000 residents that the water coming into their homes or businesses is delivered through lead service lines. Drinking water systems in the state were required to notify residents of the potential presence of lead in their service lines after a new law was approved last July. The New Jersey law also requires that water systems have a plan for the replacement of all lead service lines within 10 years.

A water service line is described by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection as a portion of pipe that connects the water main to the building inlet. The department also states a “Lead service line” means a water supply connection that is made of, or lined with, a material consisting of lead, and which connects a water main to a building inlet. A lead pigtail, lead gooseneck, or other lead fitting shall be considered to be a lead service line, regardless of the composition of the service line or other portions of piping to which such piece is attached. A galvanized service line shall be considered to be a lead service line.

While lead is rarely found in source water, it can enter the water supply as it comes in contact with plumbing materials that contain it. In most circumstances, lead enters tap water through the corrosion of these materials, which can include lead service lines. The heavy metal can also leach from lead pipes in a home or building, as well as from solder or from brass or chrome-plated brass faucets and fixtures, especially when hot water is involved.

“It’s also important for New Jersey residents to know that the NJ Department of Environmental Protection reminds residents that even if they did not receive a mailing, it is possible they may still have a lead service line, but their water system may not currently be aware of the materials of the service line,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Exposure to lead has long been recognized as a health hazard, which is why the scientists at EMSL Analytical offer lead testing services from their corporate laboratory in New Jersey. EMSL analyzes water, soil, air, dust, paint, and bulk materials for lead and other heavy metals. We even offer an easy-to-use Drinking Water Test Kit that tests for lead and other common contaminants.”

To learn more about lead or other environmental, health and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com. To access test kits, 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.