Who collects the samples?
If no specific guidance is provided, samples can be collected by school or daycare staff or by a third-party contractor. The choice will depend on your budget and resources.
Where Should I collect the Drinking Water samples from?
Samples should be taken from all sources of potable (non-bottled) water used for drinking or food preparation. This includes water fountains, kitchen faucets, and classroom sinks. Restroom and janitorial sinks are typically excluded from sampling requirements.
How Many Samples Should I Collect?
Collect two samples per location using cold water:
- First Draw: After water has been stagnant in the plumbing for 8–18 hours.
- Second Draw: After flushing the tap for 30 seconds following the first draw.
What Type of Container is Required?
We need the sample in 250mL containers, which will be provided for all sampling locations except ice makers, for which 1L containers will be provided. A flush sample is NOT required for ice makers. (Download Teklab’s Test Kit Request form for daycare facilities).
How Do I Identify my Samples?
All samples must be properly labeled such that the locations are easy to identify; the date and time of collection must also be included. A master sampling plan will help you easily label the samples (For example: Sample 001 corresponds to Kitchen Sink-First Draw). (Download an example Sample ID Spreadsheet and Teklab’s Step by Step Guide)
How do I submit samples for analysis?
Upon collection, samples and accompanying documentation like the chain of custody (CoD) may be submitted to the lab in person or via common carrier/shipping services. Shipping may be the most economical choice. (We have provided Teklab’s Step by Step Guide for daycare facilities).
What do I do once I get my report?
Contact the provider with any questions regarding the report. Results should be compared to drinking water standards. 3Ts for Reducing Lead in Drinking Water in Schools (USEPA), Public Act 099-0922 (IL), 225 ILCS 10/5.9, and Policy Guide 2017-13.
Do I need to provide the report to parents?
In short, yes, notification is required and recommended. Please review the law for how/when to report to parents about conducting a facility-wide drinking water study for their safety.
What do I do if my sample results are over the limit in the law?
The State regulatory agency may provide guidance on mitigation requirements. The following is the EPA’s PDF that includes information that may be useful: 3Ts for Reducing Lead in Drinking Water in Schools (USEPA), Public Act 099-0922 (IL), 225 ILCS 10/5.9, and Policy Guide 2017-13.
Why is lead in drinking water a priority?
Potential health affects in children of school-age range from reduced IQ to hyperactivity and impaired growth. There are many potential toxins that can be leached into the potable water we consume.
Teklab has a detailed Step by Step guide for daycares, to get started working through the process of having your facility’s drinking water tested for lead.
–Need a Quote or want more information?–
Call or email Liz Hurley at: [email protected]
Call us Toll free: (877) 344-1003 Ext. #33
