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Home > Rules > Lead/Copper > Pb/Cu Instructions

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

LEAD AND COPPER SAMPLING REQUIREMENTS

  • Samples MUST be collected at different locations, unless a system does not have enough different sites to fulfill their sampling requirement
  • Samples MUST be collected from sites where water may be consumed (drinking fountains, kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks, break rooms, etc.)
  • ALL samples MUST have a minimum 6-hour stand time (water must sit in the pipes for a minimum of 6 hours before sample is collected). NOTE: If you need to collect multiple samples from a location (i.e. you do not have enough different sites), DO NOT COLLECT SAMPLES ONE AFTER THE OTHER- THERE MUST BE AT LEAST 6 HOURS STAND TIME BETWEEN SAMPLES COLLECTED AT THE SAME SITE.
  • Lead and copper samples are 1 ST DRAW samples. DO NOT run the water before collecting the sample. Collect the “1 st draw” of water when you turn on the faucet.
  • DO NOT COLLECT samples from vacant apartments, trailers, etc.
  • Samples MUST be collected during the months of JUNE, JULY, AUGUST or SEPTEMBER if you are on an annual or 3-year monitoring schedule, unless you have an approved modified schedule.

SAMPLING PROCEDURE FOR LEAD & COPPER

(if you are on annual or 3-year testing, remember to collect between June 1 st & September 30 th)

  1. Run cold water at each sample location tap to flush the line completely.
  2. Shut off tap and tape off, etc. to insure faucet is not used for a minimum of 6 hours (recommended stand time is 6-10 hours- longer stand times are not generally representative of normal exposure).
  3. After tap has sat unused for at least 6 hours, place sample bottle under faucet, fill bottle with 1 st draw from the cold water tap & close the bottle tightly. Note time of sample collection on chain of custody form.
  4. Collect all required samples in the same manner and submit for analysis within 14 days of collection.
  5. Fill out laboratory paperwork (chain of custody, etc.) completely and submit with samples.
  6. You must also complete both sides of the 141-A Form, sign it and return it with the samples or send it to the Drinking Water Program.

 

***If you are unsure of how/where/when you should be sampling, please contact the Maine Drinking Water Program at 207-287-6472 ***