Published 2026-10-23
Lead in drinking water usually comes from the plumbing, not the water source. Older service lines, older fixtures and solder used before lead solder was banned for drinking water systems in 1986 are the common sources. You cannot see, taste or smell lead in water.
If your home is older, or you do not know what your pipes are made of, testing is the way to find out what is coming out of your tap. Use a laboratory that is state-certified for drinking water lead analysis, and ask them how to collect the sample, because the method affects the result.
A test only tells you about the sample. For the pipes themselves, ask a plumber or lead pro what they can tell about the materials in your home. Ask your water utility what it knows about the service line to your address.
While you wait for results, ask your lab or the health department what to do. Boiling water does not remove lead.
We are a referral service. Send a request and we will connect you with local lead pros who can help with water testing questions.
Quick list
- Use a state-certified lab.
- Follow the lab's sampling instructions.
- Ask what your pipes are made of.
- Contact the water utility about the service line.
- Do not rely on boiling.