How do I test my water for lead?
Short answer
Ask your water utility first. Many offer a free lead test kit, like New York City (call 311) and Chicago (call 311 or chicagowaterquality.org). If yours doesn’t, use a state-certified drinking water lab. EPA says testing costs $20 to $100, and that testing is the only sure way to know if your water has lead.
Worried about health? Talk to your doctor or local health department. More from EPA and CDC.
- Official sources
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Step by step
- Ask your water utility. The number is on your bill. Ask if it offers a free lead test kit.
- If not, find a certified lab. Use EPA’s list of state lab certification programs to find a state-certified drinking water lab near you.
- Follow the kit’s instructions exactly. Labs and utilities tell you when and how to fill the bottles. Doing it their way is what makes the result useful.
- Send it back and read your results. If anything is unclear, ask your utility or health department.
Free tests from city water utilities
- New York City: DEP sends a free lead test kit if you call 311 or use its online form. One kit per household. The kit has two bottles and step-by-step instructions, and you mail it back with a prepaid label. DEP says results come by mail within 30 days. NYC DEP: Lead in Drinking Water Test Kit
- Chicago: Call 311 or sign up at chicagowaterquality.org for a free lead test. The City also offers free follow-up testing after a line is replaced. Lead-Safe Chicago
Don’t see your city? Check your city’s page, or call your utility and ask.
What EPA says
You can’t see, taste or smell lead in water, so EPA says testing is the only sure way to know. Your state or local drinking water authority can give you a list of certified labs. EPA also suggests asking your water supplier, which may know if the pipe to your home is lead. EPA: Basic Information about Lead in Drinking Water
Sources checked Oct 16, 2026. This is information, not health advice. For health questions, talk to your doctor or your local health department.
Frequently asked questions
Can EPA test my water?
No. EPA says it cannot test residential water on request and suggests contacting a state-certified drinking water laboratory. EPA: certified labs by state.
How much does a lead water test cost?
EPA says testing costs between $20 and $100. Some utilities test for free, so ask yours first. EPA: Basic Information about Lead in Drinking Water.
I have a private well. Who tests it?
Your water utility can’t help with a private well. EPA suggests contacting your state program for guidance or paying a state-certified lab directly. Your local health department may also help.
What if my result shows lead?
Ask your utility and your local health department what the result means for your home. For health questions, talk to your doctor. Our filter page explains which filters are certified to reduce lead.