You can buy a lead test kit online or at a hardware store for about $15. It’s like a pregnancy test—but for your tap water, and the stakes are slightly less life-changing. Follow the instructions carefully, and don’t mix up the sample with your morning coffee.
For the most accurate results, send a sample to a certified lab. It costs more ($40–$100), but it’s worth it. You’ll get a report that’s basically a report card for your water. Aim for an A+—meaning lead levels below the EPA action level of 15 parts per billion.
Pro tip: test your water after you flush and filter, too. That way, you’ll know your system works, and you can high-five yourself in the mirror.
