Lead and Copper Sampling Program

City of Pittsburg is Seeking Volunteers for Lead and Copper Sampling Program

The City of Pittsburg is seeking help from residents to complete water quality sampling required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) under the Lead and Copper Sampling Program. This program requires water utilities to collect samples once every three years to analyze for lead and copper based on the population served. This year, the City of Pittsburg must collect samples from 30 residences. Currently, the City would like to build a database of at least 100 different residences from which to sample, for future reference or additional sampling need.

In order to assess the potential for lead and copper leaching, KDHE assigns the highest priority to sampling single-family residence with:

• Lead service lines
• Copper plumbing with lead solder installed after 1982 and before 1989
• Interior lead plumbing

In order to collect a representative sample, water must be collected from the kitchen or bathroom cold-water faucet that is not equipped with a water softener or reverse osmosis system after the water has sat unused in the lines for a minimum of 6 hours. The best way to accomplish this is to collect the sample first thing in the morning before any water is used, which is most easily accomplished by the homeowner.

For this reason, the City is seeking volunteers interested in participating in the Lead and Copper Sampling Program. Public Utilities staff will provide participants with a sample bottle and detailed instructions on how to properly collect and handle the sample. Also, lab analysis results from the study will be provided at no cost to participants. The City appreciates the willingness of volunteers to participate. The City will evaluate the information provided for the best matching sample sites.