Articles and Information
How To Find Out If Your Home Has Lead Service Lines
EPA: Sources of Lead in Drinking Water
EPA Basic Information About Lead in Drinking Water
How Residents can get their Tap Water Tested for Lead: We recommend you use Brandywine Science Center to test your water. They can be reached at 610-444-9850.
1. Pick up a liter-sized bottle from Brandywine Science Center, Inc. (included in the $20 analysis fee) or provide your liter container (use a clean plastic container, not glass).
2. Designate a sink to test in the house, and do not use it for at least 6 hours prior (important).
3. Fill up the bottle under the sink after at least 6 hours. Make sure the sample is the “first flush” of water to make sure the water has been standing dormant.
4. Bring the bottle to Brandywine Science Center, Inc. the same day the sample is taken, and keep it cool until it is dropped off (ex: in a cooler or fridge). Their location is 204 Line Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348. Or, someone from Brandywine Science Center, Inc. can come and take the sample themselves but will charge a $75 carrier fee in addition to the analysis fee.
5. Brandywine Science Center, Inc. will run the sample on the upcoming Friday (regardless, bring it to them the day it is taken, and they will continue to preserve it properly). H.O. Thompson Testing Lab is not certified to test for lead, so they send Brandywine Science Center, Inc. their samples to analyze the results. Similar to Brandywine Science Center, Inc., a resident can make an appointment with H.O. Thompson Testing Lab to take the sample and transport it, but they will charge a carrier fee on top of the analysis fee. Therefore, the cheapest option is to take a sample and bring it to Brandywine Science Center, Inc. to avoid a carrier fee.