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1:5:10:326 EcoTip: Brass plumbing fixtures and lead solder have frequently contained lead. When purchasing new fixtures or soldering copper joints make sure they are certified lead free. You can’t tell if a fixture has brass just by looking at it. The brass is frequently used on the inside of the fixture where it is not visible.
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Additional Information:
To test for lead in fixtures, you can perform a duel lead test. Let the water sit in the fixture overnight then collect the first water from the tap for analysis. Collect a second sample of water after it has been allowed to run for several minutes to clear the plumbing. If the first sample has lead and the second doesn’t – then your fixtures or household plumbing are the likely culprit. If its in both samples – its likely the water supply.
National Testing Laboratories offers a duel lead water analysis kit.
Lead check swabs can be used to test plumbing solder. (see EcoTip :033)
Here’s a link to the USEPA water quality standards: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/contaminants/index.html…
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