How Do I Test For Lead In My Well Water?

Are you worried that your well water might contain lead and what that could mean for your household?

How Do I Test For Lead In My Well Water?

You rely on your well for drinking, cooking, and bathing, so knowing whether lead is in your water is important for your health and peace of mind. This section gives you an overview of why testing matters and what basic steps you’ll take.

Lead is a toxic metal that can enter drinking water through corrosion of plumbing materials, old service lines, solder, or occasionally from natural sources. Because private wells are not regulated by the EPA, you are responsible for testing and addressing any contamination. Testing is the only reliable way to know whether lead is present and at what level.

Why you should care about lead in well water

Even small amounts of lead can harm health, especially for children, pregnant people, and nursing infants. Lead exposure is linked to learning and behavioral problems in children and can increase blood pressure and kidney problems in adults. The EPA’s health-based goal (MCLG) for lead in drinking water is zero, since there is no safe level of lead exposure. That said, the federal “action level” used for public systems is 15 parts per billion (ppb); for private wells, any detection should prompt attention.

How lead gets into well water

Understanding how lead can enter your water helps you decide what to test and how to prevent future contamination.

• Plumbing and fixtures: Lead service lines, lead-containing solder (used before 1986), and brass fixtures can leach lead into water, especially when water sits in pipes for several hours.
• Well components and pumps: Older well components and connectors sometimes contain metals that can leach if corroded.
• Natural sources: In most areas, natural geologic sources make a small contribution; lead is more commonly introduced by plumbing than the aquifer itself.
• External contamination: Corrosion from acidic water (low pH) and soft water can increase lead release from metal components.

Signs that your well or plumbing might be a lead risk

You may not see anything obvious, but certain clues raise the likelihood of lead:

• Your home was built before 1986 (when lead solder was banned for potable water plumbing).
• You have a lead service line or older brass fixtures.
• Water sitting in pipes overnight shows higher lead when first drawn.
• Water has a metallic taste or you have old plumbing/pump components.

If any of those apply, prioritize testing and consider actions that reduce your exposure.

What kinds of tests are available?

You have a few options, each with pros and cons. Choosing the right test depends on how precise you need results to be and how quickly you need answers.

Certified laboratory testing (recommended)

This is the most accurate option. Labs use methods such as ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) or graphite furnace atomic absorption to measure lead concentrations down to very low levels (parts per billion).

• Pros: Highly accurate and legally defensible results; you’ll receive numeric values in ppb.
• Cons: Costs vary ($20–$150+ depending on lab and number of analytes); you must follow sampling instructions carefully.

You typically send a water sample to a state-certified lab. For private wells, find a certified lab through your state health department or environmental agency.

Mail-in kits from certified labs

These kits send you a sample bottle and instructions; you collect at home and mail the sample to the lab. They often use the same analytical methods as direct lab submissions.

• Pros: Convenience; accuracy similar to certified lab testing if you follow sampling instructions.
• Cons: Delays due to shipping; slightly higher cost than walk-in submission.

Home test kits and field test kits

Test strips or colorimetric kits sold online or in stores give you a quick reading.

• Pros: Immediate results; inexpensive ($10–$50).
• Cons: Less accurate and often have high detection limits. They can miss low but still harmful concentrations.

Use these kits only for preliminary screening; confirm any positive or suspicious results with certified lab testing.

How to collect a proper water sample

How you collect a sample greatly affects your results. For lead, the most informative sample is a “first-draw” sample because lead often builds up in plumbing when water sits unused.

First-draw sample (your most important sample)

• Don’t use any water in the house for at least 6–12 hours (overnight is standard).
• Remove aerators from faucets and don’t run the water before sampling.
• Collect the “first” liter (or the bottle volume specified by the lab) from the tap into the provided sample container.
• Seal the bottle, label it, keep it cool (refrigerate if possible), and get it to the lab within the time window they require (often 24–48 hours).

This sample shows the maximum potential lead level from plumbing.

Run or flushed sample (optional)

After the first-draw sample, run the water for several minutes and collect another sample. This shows what the source water (well and distribution system before household plumbing) contains.

• If first-draw is high and flushed sample is low, the source is likely your plumbing.
• If both are high, source contamination or well components might be the problem.

Tips for a valid sample

• Use only containers and preservatives provided by the testing lab.
• Don’t touch the inside of the lid or bottle rim.
• Follow the lab’s instructions for volume and labeling.
• Record date and time of the last water use before sampling.

Where to get your water tested

You have several good options:

• State-certified labs: Contact your state health or environmental agency for a list of certified labs.
• Local health departments or extension services: They often provide testing programs or referrals.
• Private accredited environmental labs: They handle a range of contaminants.
• University or county extension programs: Some offer low-cost testing clinics.

Ask the lab whether their methods meet EPA-approved standards and whether they can analyze down to low ppb levels.

How to interpret test results

Test results will be reported in parts per billion (ppb) or micrograms per liter (µg/L)—these are the same numerically.

Key reference numbers

• EPA Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) for lead: 0 ppb (no safe level).
• EPA Action Level: 15 ppb for public water systems (if exceeded in more than 10% of samples, a system must take corrective action). For private wells, any detectable lead is a concern, especially for vulnerable people.

Practical interpretation guide

Remember that any lead detection is a signal to act, particularly when children or pregnant people live in your household.

What to do if your test shows lead

You have immediate and longer-term options to reduce your exposure.

Immediate actions

• Stop using suspect water for drinking and cooking. Don’t boil water — boiling does not remove lead and can concentrate it.
• Use bottled water or alternate safe water sources for drinking, preparing baby formula, and cooking.
• Use cold water for cooking and drinking only, since hot water is more likely to leach lead from plumbing.
• Consider a point-of-use (POU) filter certified for lead reduction.

Point-of-use filters and certifications

Look for filters certified to NSF/ANSI standards:

• NSF/ANSI 53: Certified to reduce lead.
• NSF/ANSI 58: Reverse osmosis systems that reduce a wide range of contaminants (including lead).
• Be sure to follow manufacturer maintenance schedules and replace cartridges when recommended.

Long-term and permanent solutions

• Replace lead service lines and lead-containing plumbing fixtures. This is a permanent solution but can be costly. Have a licensed plumber inspect and provide estimates.
• If the water chemistry is causing corrosion, you can consider treatment to change pH or add corrosion inhibitors — typically done for municipal systems, but in some cases private wells may require whole-house treatment to reduce corrosivity.
• Install a whole-house filter only if it is rated for lead and you are sure it will be maintained properly. Note that many whole-house filters target sediment or chlorine, not lead specifically.
• Re-test your water after any remediation to confirm success.

Treatment options compared

This table summarizes common treatments, effectiveness for lead, pros, and cons.

Choose a combination of solutions that fits your budget, household needs, and technical situation. For private wells, POU filters for drinking and cooking are often the most practical immediate option.

Costs: testing and remediation

Costs vary widely, so plan based on local rates and what you decide to do.

• Lab testing: $20–$150 per sample depending on the lab and number of analytes.
• Home test kits: $10–$50 (screening only).
• Basic pitcher or faucet-mounted filters: $20–$150 initial; $20–$100/year maintenance.
• Under-sink filters: $100–$500 plus cartridges.
• Reverse osmosis systems: $200–$2,000 installed; filter changes $50–$300/year.
• Replacing service line or major plumbing work: $500–$10,000+ depending on scope and accessibility.
• Whole-house water treatment: $1,000–$10,000+ depending on technology and house size.

Factor in long-term maintenance when budgeting for filters or treatment systems.

How often should you test your well for lead?

Testing frequency depends on your situation:

• If you have an older home or suspect lead plumbing: test immediately and again after remediation.
• Routine schedule: if previous tests were non-detect, test every 1–3 years for metals including lead; more frequently if household members are pregnant or small children are present.
• After plumbing changes, replacement, or repairs: test again to confirm low levels.
• If you detect any changes in water taste, color, or smell: test promptly.

When you sell or buy a property with a well, test for lead and other contaminants as part of due diligence.

Special considerations for old wells and property risk

Older wells can pose multiple safety and liability concerns beyond lead. You should assess well condition and history when evaluating risk to property.

Can old wells pose safety risks to a property?

Yes. Old wells can present structural and contamination risks that affect water quality and the value and safety of your property.

Common risks from aging wells:

• Well casing deterioration or cracked seals that allow surface contaminants to enter.
• Faulty or missing caps that permit insects, animals, or debris to contaminate the well.
• Shallow wells that are vulnerable to runoff and septic system intrusion.
• Corroded well components or older piping that leach metals, including lead.
• Contamination from nearby agricultural chemicals, fuel storage leaks, or industrial activity.

What to inspect in an older well

If you suspect issues, have a professional evaluate these items:

• Well cap integrity and sanitary seal.
• Condition and depth of the casing.
• Pump function and electrical safety.
• Screen condition and presence of sand or unusual sediments.
• Distance from septic systems, livestock, and potential contamination sources.
• Historical water testing results and maintenance records.

A thorough inspection helps you understand whether lead is likely to be a problem and what remediation may be needed.

Property and liability concerns

• Decreased property value: Known water problems reduce resale value and buyer interest.
• Buyer disclosures and legal obligations: Depending on local laws, sellers may need to disclose well problems or test results.
• Remediation costs: Repairs, replacement, or treatment can be expensive and may be negotiated in property transactions.

Before buying or selling a property with a private well, insist on current water testing and a professional well inspection.

Health effects of lead exposure

Lead is particularly harmful because it accumulates in the body over time and affects multiple systems.

• Children: Reduced IQ, attention problems, developmental delays, learning disabilities, and behavioral issues. The younger the child, the higher the risk.
• Pregnant people: Lead can cross the placenta and harm the developing fetus, increasing the risk of reduced fetal growth, preterm birth, and developmental issues.
• Adults: High blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive problems, and neurological effects.
• No safe level: Health agencies state there is no safe blood lead level, which is why you should treat any detection seriously.

If you suspect lead exposure, consult a medical professional and consider blood lead testing, especially for children and pregnant household members.

Practical checklist: step-by-step

Use this checklist to guide your testing and response.

1. Identify risk factors (home age, plumbing materials, recent water changes).
2. Get a certified lab list from your state health department.
3. Collect a first-draw sample following lab instructions (6–12 hour stagnation period).
4. Send sample to certified lab promptly.
5. Review results in ppb and compare to action guidance.
6. If lead is detected:
   • Stop using water for drinking and cooking; use bottled or treated water.
   • Install NSF-certified POU filters for immediate relief.
   • Engage a plumber to inspect and identify lead sources.
   • Consider replacing lead plumbing/service lines and retest after remediation.
7. Retest periodically based on initial results and after any changes.

Frequently asked questions

Can boiling water remove lead?

No. Boiling does not remove lead and can concentrate it as water evaporates. Use safe bottled or filtered water instead.

Is lead in well water the same as lead in municipal water?

The source differs. Municipal systems monitor and often apply corrosion control, whereas private wells are unregulated and rely on your testing. Both can have lead from plumbing and service lines. For private wells, the homeowner bears responsibility for testing and treatment.

How do I find out if my property has a lead service line?

You can check property records, ask the previous owner or builder, or have a plumber inspect the exterior service line. Some utilities maintain maps of service line materials; contact your local utility if one is involved.

Who should I contact for help?

Start with your state or county health department, a certified water testing lab, and licensed plumbers experienced with lead remediation. Your local extension service or university water resources program can also advise.

Final thoughts

Testing your well water for lead is a practical, necessary step to protect your family’s health and your property value. You control the process: identify risks, use certified testing methods, and take sensible immediate and long-term actions when lead is present. Keep good records of tests, repairs, and treatments, and make testing part of your routine well maintenance.

If you have specific test results and want help interpreting them or planning remediation, tell me the numbers (ppb) and details about your home’s plumbing and well age, and I can help you map out next steps.