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who-guidelines-based-lead-content-testing-in-potable-water
Potable Water Microbiological & Chemical Analysis APHA 2540 Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) Testing in WaterAPHA 4500-H+ pH Measurement of Drinking WaterAPHA 9221 Multiple-Tube Fermentation Technique for ColiformsASTM D1067 Acidity and Alkalinity Testing in Water SamplesASTM D1125 Electrical Conductivity Measurement of WaterASTM D1126 Standard Test Method for Turbidity of WaterASTM D1253 Residual Chlorine Testing in Water SamplesASTM D1783 Determination of Nitrate in WaterASTM D1946 Gas Chromatography of Volatile Organic Compounds in WaterASTM D2216 Moisture Content of Soil and RockASTM D2974 Moisture, Ash, and Organic Matter of Sludge by Loss on IgnitionASTM D3370 Determination of Total Organic Halogens in WaterASTM D3559 Determination of Total Phosphorus in WaterASTM D3867 Nitrite and Nitrate Analysis in Potable WaterASTM D512 Chloride Concentration Testing in Water SamplesASTM D512 Total Chloride Ion Determination by TitrationASTM D516-89 Determination of Cyanide in WaterASTM D5176 Measurement of Alkalinity in WaterEN 1622 Chlorine Odor and Taste Testing in Drinking WaterEN 26777 Nitrite Content Analysis in Potable WaterEN ISO 10304-1 Ion Chromatography for Anions in Potable WaterEN ISO 10304-3 Determination of Dissolved Anions by Ion ChromatographyEN ISO 10523 pH Measurement of Water QualityEN ISO 11256 Determination of Total Chromium in WaterEN ISO 11369 Cyanide Content Analysis in Water SamplesEN ISO 11732 Ammonium Testing in Drinking Water via FIAEN ISO 11732 Determination of Ammonium in Water by Flow AnalysisEN ISO 11885 Inductively Coupled Plasma for Metal Analysis in WaterEN ISO 11901 Determination of Bromide in Water SamplesEN ISO 11905-1 Nitrogen Analysis via Devarda’s Method in WaterEN ISO 11905-2 Determination of Nitrogen in Water SamplesEN ISO 14403 Determination of Pesticides in Water by GC-MSEN ISO 5663 Guidelines for Sample Preparation of Water TestingEN ISO 5667-1 Guidance on Sampling Water QualityEN ISO 5667-17 Guidance on Sampling for Particles in WaterEN ISO 5667-21 Sampling of Sediments for Chemical AnalysisEN ISO 7027 Turbidity Testing of Drinking Water SamplesEN ISO 7393-1 Chlorine Quantification Using Titrimetry in WaterEN ISO 7393-2 Free and Total Chlorine Analysis in Drinking WaterEN ISO 7887 Color Determination in Potable Water SamplesEN ISO 8466-1 Water Quality – Determination of pHEN ISO 8467 Permanganate Index Testing in Drinking WaterEPA 110.3 Determination of Phenols in WaterEPA 1604 Enterococci Bacteria Detection in Drinking WaterEPA 1664 Measurement of Oil and Grease in WaterEPA 200.1 Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission SpectrometryEPA 200.7 Trace Metal Determination in Drinking Water by ICP-AESEPA 200.8 Trace Elements in Drinking Water Using ICP-MSEPA 200.9 Trace Elements Determination by GFAAS in Drinking WaterEPA 300.0 Inorganic Anions Determination by Ion ChromatographyEPA 300.1 Anions Analysis Including Fluoride and Nitrate in WaterEPA 300.1 Determination of Chloride in Drinking WaterEPA 300.2 Determination of Sulfate in WaterEPA 335.4 Cyanide Measurement in Drinking Water SamplesEPA 350.1 Determination of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)EPA 350.2 Measurement of Total Organic Carbon in WaterEPA 353.2 Nitrate-Nitrite Testing in Potable Water SamplesEPA 365.2 Determination of Phenolic Compounds in WaterEPA 410.4 Analysis of Cyanide in Water SamplesEPA 505 Organochlorine Pesticides Analysis in Potable WaterEPA 524.2 Purgeable Organic Compounds Testing in Water SamplesEPA 524.3 VOC Analysis in Potable Water Using GC/MSEPA 524.4 Measurement of Disinfection Byproducts in WaterEPA 531.2 Carbamate Pesticides Detection in Drinking WaterEPA 551.1 Determination of Carbon Tetrachloride in Drinking WaterEPA 552.3 Haloacetic Acids Testing in Potable WaterEPA 600/4-79-020 Colorimetric Analysis of OrthophosphateEPA 600/4-80/014 Chlorophyll-a Determination in WaterEPA 601 Method for Determination of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)EPA 608 Pesticides and PCBs Testing in Drinking Water SamplesEPA 608 Pesticides and PCBs Testing in Drinking Water SamplesEPA 625 Methods for Volatile Organic Compounds Analysis in WaterEPA 815-B-17-015 Cryptosporidium and Giardia Detection in WaterEPA 8270 Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds Analysis in WaterEPA 906.0 Determination of Mercury in Water by Cold Vapor Atomic AbsorptionEPA 906.0 Mercury Analysis by Cold Vapor Atomic AbsorptionEPA 906.0 Mercury Determination by CVAASIS 10500 Fluoride Level Compliance Testing in Potable WaterIS 10500 Nitrate Level Analysis in Drinking WaterIS 3025 Part 34 Phenolic Compounds Testing in Potable WaterISO 10530 Measurement of Turbidity in Water SamplesISO 11369 Cyanide Determination in WaterISO 15586 Atomic Absorption for Mercury Detection in WaterISO 15680 VOC Detection by Purge and Trap GC/MS in WaterISO 15681 Determination of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) in WaterISO 15705 Determination of Total Organic Carbon in WaterISO 15705 Measurement of Total Organic Carbon (TOC) in WaterISO 16265 Trihalomethane Concentration Testing in Drinking WaterISO 17993 Determination of Mercury in Water by CVAASISO 5667-10 Sampling of WastewatersISO 5667-13 Guidance on Sampling for Cyanobacteria and AlgaeISO 5667-14 Guidance on Sampling for Microorganisms in WaterISO 5667-15 Guidance on Sampling for Metals in WaterISO 5667-18 Guidance on Sampling for Volatile Organic CompoundsISO 5667-19 Guidance on Sampling for Trace ElementsISO 5667-2 Guidance on Sampling StrategiesISO 5667-20 Guidance on Sampling for Microcystins and Other CyanotoxinsISO 5667-3 Sampling Protocols for Microbiological Water TestingISO 5667-4 Guidance on Sampling Preservation and HandlingISO 5667-5 Sampling Strategy for Drinking Water AnalysisISO 5667-6 Water Sampling – Guidance on Sampling TechniquesISO 7028 Sampling of Water for Chemical and Microbiological TestingISO 7887 Water Sample Color Measurement for Quality ControlISO 7888 Electrical Conductivity Testing of Drinking WaterISO 9308-1 E. coli and Coliform Bacteria Testing in Drinking WaterISO 9963-1 Determination of Carbon Dioxide in Water

WHO Guidelines-Based Lead Content Testing in Potable Water Laboratory Testing Service Provided by Eurolab

The testing of lead content in potable water is a critical aspect of ensuring the safety and quality of drinking water. The World Health Organization (WHO) has established guidelines for the maximum allowable levels of lead in drinking water, which are designed to protect public health.

Relevant Standards

  • ISO 17294-2:2015 - Water quality - Determination of dissolved metals and metalloids - Part 2: Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method

  • ASTM D7423-17 - Standard Test Method for Determination of Total Recoverable Lead in Drinking Water

  • EN ISO 17294-2:2015 - Water quality - Determination of dissolved metals and metalloids - Part 2: Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method

  • TSE 569:2016 - Drinking water - Determination of lead

    • These standards provide a framework for the testing of lead content in potable water, including sample preparation, analysis, and reporting.

    Standard Development Organizations

    The development of standards for laboratory testing is carried out by various organizations, including:

  • International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

  • American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

  • European Committee for Standardization (CEN)

  • Turkish Standards Institution (TSE)

    • These organizations work together to develop and update standards that ensure consistency and accuracy in laboratory testing.

    Legal and Regulatory Framework

    The legal and regulatory framework surrounding the testing of lead content in potable water varies by country. However, many countries have adopted the WHO guidelines for maximum allowable levels of lead in drinking water.

  • In the European Union, the Drinking Water Directive (2000/60/EC) sets a maximum allowable level of 10 μg/L for lead in drinking water.

  • In the United States, the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) sets a maximum allowable level of 15 ppb (parts per billion) for lead in drinking water.

    • International and National Standards

    The following international and national standards apply to the testing of lead content in potable water:

  • ISO 17294-2:2015 - Water quality - Determination of dissolved metals and metalloids - Part 2: Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method

  • ASTM D7423-17 - Standard Test Method for Determination of Total Recoverable Lead in Drinking Water

  • EN ISO 17294-2:2015 - Water quality - Determination of dissolved metals and metalloids - Part 2: Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method

  • TSE 569:2016 - Drinking water - Determination of lead

    • Standard Compliance Requirements

    Laboratories must comply with these standards to ensure the accuracy and reliability of test results.

  • ISO 17294-2:2015 requires laboratories to use ICP-MS technology for the analysis of dissolved metals.

  • ASTM D7423-17 requires laboratories to use a method that involves sample digestion, extraction, and analysis using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) or inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).

  • EN ISO 17294-2:2015 requires laboratories to use ICP-MS technology for the analysis of dissolved metals.

  • TSE 569:2016 requires laboratories to use a method that involves sample digestion, extraction, and analysis using AAS or ICP-MS.

    • The testing of lead content in potable water is necessary to ensure public health protection. Lead is a toxic substance that can cause serious health problems, including neurological damage, developmental delays, and increased risk of cancer.

    Business and Technical Reasons

    The business and technical reasons for conducting WHO Guidelines-Based Lead Content Testing in Potable Water testing are:

  • To ensure compliance with international and national standards

  • To protect public health by detecting lead contamination in drinking water

  • To prevent costly remediation efforts by identifying lead contamination early on

    • Consequences of Not Performing the Test

    The consequences of not performing the test are severe, including:

  • Exposure to toxic substances that can cause serious health problems

  • Non-compliance with international and national standards

  • Financial losses due to costly remediation efforts

    • Industries and Sectors

    The following industries and sectors require WHO Guidelines-Based Lead Content Testing in Potable Water testing:

  • Municipal water treatment plants

  • Industrial water users (e.g. manufacturing, mining)

  • Commercial water users (e.g. hotels, restaurants)

  • Residential water users (e.g. households)

    • Risk Factors and Safety Implications

    The risk factors and safety implications of lead contamination in drinking water are:

  • Neurological damage and developmental delays

  • Increased risk of cancer

  • Exposure to toxic substances that can cause serious health problems

    • Standard Requirements for Testing

    The standard requirements for testing are:

  • Sample preparation (e.g. digestion, extraction)

  • Analysis using ICP-MS or AAS

  • Reporting of test results

    • Testing Methodology

    The testing methodology involves the following steps:

    1. Sample collection and preparation

    2. Digestion and extraction of lead

    3. Analysis using ICP-MS or AAS

    4. Reporting of test results

    Standard Requirements for Reporting

    The standard requirements for reporting are:

  • Test results must be reported in units of μg/L (micrograms per liter)

  • Test results must be reported with a precision of 5 (ISO 17294-2:2015)

    • Standard Requirements for Calibration and Validation

    The standard requirements for calibration and validation are:

  • Calibration of ICP-MS or AAS instruments

  • Validation of testing methodology using certified reference materials

    • Testing Frequency and Schedule

    The testing frequency and schedule depend on the specific requirements of each industry or sector.

  • Municipal water treatment plants: quarterly testing

  • Industrial water users: annual testing

  • Commercial water users: semi-annual testing

  • Residential water users: quarterly testing

    • Testing Methodology for Specialized Applications

    Specialized applications may require additional testing methodologies, including:

  • Determination of total recoverable lead (TRL)

  • Determination of dissolved metals and metalloids

    • Standard Requirements for Accreditation and Certification

    The standard requirements for accreditation and certification are:

  • Laboratories must be accredited by a recognized accrediting body

  • Testing personnel must be certified by a recognized certifying body

    • Quality Control and Quality Assurance

    Laboratories must implement quality control and quality assurance procedures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of test results.

  • Sample preparation and analysis must be carried out in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs)

  • ICP-MS or AAS instruments must be calibrated regularly

  • Testing personnel must undergo regular training and certification

    • Standard Requirements for Data Management

    The standard requirements for data management are:

  • Test results must be stored in a secure database

  • Test results must be accessible to authorized personnel only

    • Specialized applications may require additional testing methodologies, including:

  • Determination of total recoverable lead (TRL)

  • Determination of dissolved metals and metalloids

    • Standard Requirements for Reporting

    The standard requirements for reporting are:

  • Test results must be reported in units of μg/L (micrograms per liter)

  • Test results must be reported with a precision of 5 (ISO 17294-2:2015)

    • The testing frequency and schedule depend on the specific requirements of each industry or sector.

  • Municipal water treatment plants: quarterly testing

  • Industrial water users: annual testing

  • Commercial water users: semi-annual testing

  • Residential water users: quarterly testing

    • The standard requirements for accreditation and certification are:

  • Laboratories must be accredited by a recognized accrediting body

  • Testing personnel must be certified by a recognized certifying body

    • Laboratories must implement quality control and quality assurance procedures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of test results.

  • Sample preparation and analysis must be carried out in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs)

  • ICP-MS or AAS instruments must be calibrated regularly

  • Testing personnel must undergo regular training and certification

    • Need help or have a question?
    Contact us for prompt assistance and solutions.

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