Lead and Copper

Lead & Copper (Maximum Contaminant Levels = 0.015 & 1.3 mg/l respectively)

Lead and copper can be found in water with corrosive tendencies (see pH).  There is an extremely low occurrence of naturally occurring lead & copper in water.  It is nearly always from plumbing systems with copper lines and/or lead solder.  Levels are highest after water has been stagnant in the pipes.  The recommended method for testing of lead & copper when plumbing is a concern is to sample water after it has been sitting in the pipes for 6 – 10 hours, without running the water at all prior to filling the bottle.  This is called a “first draw” and simulates a worst case test. 

For futher information, please refer to the NH DES fact sheet:

WD-DWGB-3-4  Corrosivity of Water Supplies