A rapid method for lead service line detection

This project demonstrates the efficiency of a relatively simple protocol developed to detect lead service lines (LSLs) by measuring lead concentrations at the tap using an onsite analyzer. Concentrations obtained with a portable anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) analyzer were successfully compared with inductively coupled plasma/mass spectrometry (ICP/MS) results (R-2 = 0.991). The limitations of the portable ASV for detecting particulate lead without digestion were also demonstrated. Various sampling protocols were investigated, and a field sampling protocol was developed to specifically detect LSLs in the city district under study. The field protocol was then tested successfully (agreement of 96%) in other city districts by means of excavation to confirm the presence of an LSL.