Lead, Copper, Arsenic in Water (Schools and Day Care)
Lead, copper, and arsenic are all EPA Safe Drinking Water Act regulated parameters. Lead and copper usually enter the water supply from plumbing or from erosion of natural rock deposits. In infants and children, lead can cause delays in physical or mental development. Children could show slight deficits in attention span and learning abilities. In adults, lead may cause kidney problems as well as high blood pressure. Short term copper exposure can cause gastrointestinal distress. Long term exposure can cause liver or kidney damage. Arsenic is more common in well waters than in public water supplies. Arsenic is a naturally occurring metal found in the ground throughout Indiana. Arsenic may also come from agricultural, mining and industrial practices. Non-cancer effects of arsenic can include stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea and numbness in hands and feet. Arsenic can cause skin damage or problems with circulatory systems.
Schools and Day Care Centers. Meets EPA Guidelines for testing Schools for Lead
$25 for each draw/kit plus shipping
Samples are accepted ONLY from Schools, Daycares, Divisions of the Indiana Department of Health, State Government Agencies or from County Health Departments. Questions: Contact Quincy Bell, qbell@health.in.gov or 317-921-5559
Sampling bottles must be 250 mL plastic to meet EPA requirements.
The kit contains:
- Instruction form
- Analysis request form
- One 250 mL plastic bottle.
Order kits using the link below:
Access Indiana: Home
There are two draw types for water sampling:
First Draw: Water that has stood motionless for at least 6 hours. Do not flush the water before taking sample. Do not sample after weekends, holidays, or extended periods of stagnation. First draw samples may be taken in the morning or at the end of the day, but the water in the residence must not be used during the prior 6-hour period.
Second Draw: Does not require stagnation. Flush the water 4-5 minutes before collecting the sample, then fill up the container. First Draw and Second Draw samples give an idea of the amount of lead attributed to the plumbing.
If only collecting one sample, collect a First Draw.
Complete the analysis request form. For contact information, include at least an email address.
Mail or return to:
Indiana Department of Health Laboratories
550 West 16th St
Suite B
Indianapolis, IN 46202-2218
Sample must be received within 14 days of sampling
The report will be emailed within 21 business days after receiving the sample.