Instructions for the Collection of Lead and Copper Samples by a Professional
Operator of Record
March 2023
Collect samples from a cold-water faucet that has not been used for at least 6 hours. To ensure the water has not
been used for at least 6 hours, the best time to collect samples is early in the morning. In a residential* structure,
be sure to use a kitchen or bathroom cold-water faucet that has been used for drinking water consumption in the
past few days. The goal is to collect a sample after a period of water stagnation but during a time when water usage
throughout the structure is otherwise representative of normal water use. For example, sampling at a tap in a
school which has been closed to students for the summer would not be representative of normal water usage.
•
Before Sampling
o
Double-check the “tier” definitions against your LC### sample monitoring point ID (SMPID) sheet to
ensure that you are sampling from an appropriate site.
o
There must be a minimum of 6 hours during which there is no water used from the faucet where
the sample will be collected, and any faucets adjacent or close to that faucet.
• Small PWSs with less than 5 taps shall collect at least one sample from each tap and
then collect additional samples from those taps on different days during the monitoring
period to meet the required number of sites.
o
Early mornings are often the best sampling times to ensure that the necessary stagnant water
conditions exist.
o
Do not flush the water line before the start of the 6-hour stagnation period.
o
Do not flush the water line before you collect the sample.
o
Do not use a fixture that is treated by a softener or point-of-use/point-of-entry device/filter.
o
First draw samples must be collected at the same sampling sites used in the previous monitoring
period unless the site no longer meets the proper criteria or is no longer accessible.
o
Ensure you have a wide-mouth 1-liter (1000-mL) sample bottle.
•
Sample Collection
o
Use the first draw from a cold-water faucet normally used for consumption.
o
Do not remove the aerator from the faucet prior to sampling.
o
Place the opened sample bottle below the faucet and open the cold-water faucet to achieve a flow
rate similar to what you would use to fill a glass of water.
o
Without allowing the sample bottle to overflow, fill the bottle to the line marked "1000-mL" and
turn off the water.
o
Please review the sample kit label at this time to ensure that all label information is correct. If any
plumbing repairs or replacements have been completed in the structure since the previous sampling
event (or within the last three years if not previously sampled), note this information on the label as
provided. Also, note if your sample was collected from a faucet with a water softener, filter, or
treatment.
o
As the operator of record, you are responsible for correctly collecting samples according to these
instructions and applicable rules.
o
For any sample, if you note unusual characteristics (turbidity, color, solids, overfilled/underfilled
bottles, incorrect sampling location, etc.), you may choose to not have the sample analyzed for
compliance and instead investigate the reason. This decision must be made PRIOR to submitting the
samples to the laboratory.
o
Sample early in the monitoring period to allow time for any necessary resamples and to reduce the
risk of monitoring/reporting violations.
Contact Zach Anderson at (614) 644-4902 or Zachary.Anders[email protected]o.gov if you have any questions
regarding these instructions.
*In a non-residential building, use an interior tap from which water is typically drawn for consumption.
