Testing for lead and copper in drinking water is unlike any other testing the utility does because of the sampling requirements.
All other samples analyzed for drinking water compliance are taken by utility employees who hold an operator or distribution system license. Also, the samples are taken from locations in the public water system's control.
Lead and copper samples are taken by the customer from the kitchen tap in their home. The sampling locations must come from locations identified as at-risk for having lead in pipes, plumbing fixtures or solder.
The utility offers lead testing to all customers for a small cost, but the testing is free for any customer that has an identified lead service line.