Lead in Drinking Water Test Kit - NYC DEP

Environmental Protection


Water Monitoring

Lead in Drinking Water Test Kit


New York City drinking water is lead-free when it is delivered from the City’s upstate reservoirs and distribution system. However, water can absorb lead from solder, fixtures, and pipes found in the plumbing of some buildings or homes. Therefore, it is possible that there is lead in your home’s drinking water and that it is at higher levels than other homes in your area. If you are concerned about elevated lead levels in your home’s water, you may wish to have your water tested. For general information about lead in household plumbing, visit Monitoring for Lead.

How to Take a Sample Using the Lead Test Kit

Once you have ordered a lead test kit, you will receive a 7.5″ x 8.5″ x 4″ box that contains two empty bottles, Step-By-Step Sampling Instructions, a Chain-of-Custody (CoC) Form, a plastic Ziploc bag, two pieces of brown tape, and a merchandise return label.

To take your samples, carefully read and follow the Step-By-Step Sampling Instructions available in: English, Español, 中文, русский, Kreyòl ayisyen, 한국어, বাংলা, Polski, Français, العربية, اردو.

For additional guidance, watch our instructional video How to Take a Sample Using the Lead Test Kit and follow along with your Step-By-Step Sampling Instructions.

After you have taken your samples and completed the Chain-of-Custody (CoC) Form, you are ready to mail your kit back to the laboratory. Pack the filled bottles and the top copy of the completed Chain-of-Custody (CoC) Form into the original mailing box, apply the prepaid merchandise return label to the outside of the box and bring it to your local post office. The results will be mailed back to you within 30 days.

Request a Lead in Drinking Water Test Kit

To request a free lead test kit, call 311 or fill in this online form.

Due to high volume please be patient as we address your request for a lead test kit. Only one kit per household will be provided at this time.