If you received a lead testing kit from Denver Water, this page will help you with the following:
- Why you received the kit.
- How to collect and return water samples.
- What your test results mean.
Why did I get a kit?
Any of these scenarios may apply:
- You are enrolled in the Lead Reduction Program and Denver Water needs your help to determine if you have a lead service line so that, if you do, we can replace it with a lead-free line at no direct cost to you.
- You are not enrolled in the Lead Reduction Program and received a water test kit. Denver Water still needs your help to refine our program tools and plan future work. Water tests are one of several investigative methods used to confirm if a property has a lead service line.
- You are enrolled in the Lead Reduction Program and your line has been replaced. Denver Water may have offered or sent you a water test kit to help confirm that your lead levels have been reduced.
How do I collect sample?
Water sampling kit instructions for single-family homes (PDF) | Spanish version (PDF)
Water sampling kit instructions for multi-family homes (PDF) | Spanish version (PDF)
When and how do I return samples for analysis?
- Place all three sealed bottles and the Chain of Custody card into the box.
- Place the return shipping label on top of the original mailing label.
- NOTE: Your samples must be returned within 48 hours of collection in order to provide accurate test results. To return your samples to the lab for testing, place the kit in your mailbox or drop it off at your nearest United States Postal Service location. You may also arrange a pickup at USPS.com or call 1-877-275-8777.
When will I receive my results?
Your results will be mailed to you within 4-6 weeks after your water test kit has been received.
I got my results. What do they mean?
If you received a water test kit result from Denver Water, this page will guide you through what the results mean and how you can protect yourself and your family from the potential risk of lead exposure.
The water tests detect the presence of lead in drinking water in measurements of micrograms per liter (µg/L) which is also known as parts per billion (ppb). For context, 1 µg/L is like saying approximately 1 drop of water in 13,200 gallons.
Water tests are one of several investigative methods used to confirm if a property has a lead service line. Test results are combined with information from these other methods to determine the material of a service line.
If you would like to confirm your property’s status in the Lead Reduction Program, you can enter your address on this map. If you do have a service line that contains lead, Denver Water will replace your service line at no charge to you.
Example of Result Table
| Sample Description | Result | What does it mean? |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Bottle — Kitchen | 1.0 µg/L | Bottle 1 results may indicate the faucet and/or pipes and plumbing materials connected to the faucet may contain lead. If the result is at or above 1 µg/L this indicates that there is a likelihood that your household plumbing, faucets, or fixture where the sample was collected from may contain lead. If the result is less than 1 µg/L this indicates it is unlikely that you have lead in this faucet and/or pipes and plumbing connected to the faucet. |
| 2nd Bottle — Kitchen | <1.0 µg/L | Bottle 2 results may be associated with household plumbing. If the result is at or above 1 µg/L this indicates that there is a likelihood that your household plumbing material may contain lead. If the results is less than 1 µg/L this indicates that it is unlikely that you have lead in your household plumbing. |
| 3rd Bottle — Kitchen | <1.0 µg/L | Bottle 3 results may be associated with lead that may be released from your water service line. If the result is at or above 1 µg/L this indicates that there is a likelihood that your water service line material may contain lead. If the result is less than 1 µg/L this indicates that it is unlikely that you have lead in your water service line. Please note that a result above 1 µg/L is not conclusive of a lead service line and that additional investigation may be needed to confirm your service line material. Regardless of what your results show, if you are enrolled in the Lead Reduction Program, please continue using filtered water for drinking, cooking and making infant formula until Denver Water notifies you that you have been removed from the program. |
What you need to know
- Do not drop-off water test samples in person. Please follow the return instructions included with your sampling kit.
- If your bottles were delivered last week, or last month, you can still submit samples using the bottles, IF they haven’t been opened.
- Water samples MUST be sent back within 48 hours of collection. If more than 48 hours has passed since the bottles were filled, please reach out to Denver Water Customer Care to request a new kit to be sent to your address.
- If the tamper seals were broken or are missing from the bottles in your kit, we can still process your water samples. Go ahead and collect your water samples following the instructions.
- If you lost your kit, you can request a new one online or by contacting Denver Water Customer Care at 303-893-2444 or lead@denverwater.org.
- Neighbors and friends cannot share kits. Each sample kit is associated with a specific property, address and identification number. If you know someone who would like to test their water, they can request a water test kit.