THE PITTSBURGH WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

James Good
Executive Director

1200 Penn Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412 782-7554
Fax: 412 782-7564

Sample ID - ______________

DIRECTIONS FOR HOMEOWNERS / RESIDENTS
TAP SAMPLE COLLECTION PROCEDURES for LEAD ANALYSIS
COLLECTION PROCEEDURES:
1. You should collect the water sample after the water has been sitting in the pipes for an extended period of
time (i.e., no water use during the previous 6 to 8 hour period - including commode flushing). Due to the
requirement, either early mornings or evenings upon returning home from work are the best times for
collecting samples. The amount of time that the water remains stagnant before sample collection should not
exceed 8 hours.
2. BOTTLE labeled A - Either a kitchen or bathroom cold-water faucet can be used for sampling. Place the
sample bottle (remove cap) below the faucet and gently open the cold water tap and fill Bottle A
a. If there is an aerator on the faucet, do not remove this prior to collecting the sample.
3. BOTTLE labeled B – From the same faucet continue to allow the water to run until a noticeable temperature
changer occurs. (The water should feel colder). Without turning off the faucet (remove cap) fill Bottle B.
4. Tightly cap the sample bottle. Please review the sample bottle label at this time to ensure that all the
information contained on the label is correct. Place bottle in the refrigerator until the scheduled pick up time.
5. If any plumbing repairs or replacement have been done in the home during the past 2 years, note this
information on the survey. Also, if you have a water softener, note this as well on the survey.
6. Fill out the survey.
7. Fill out the information below.
TO BE COMPLETED BY RESIDENT:
Water was last used:

Time:

Date:

Sample was collected:

Time:

Date:

I have read the above directions and have taken the tap sample in accordance with these directions.
Signature of Resident collecting sample:

Date:

After sample collection, completing this slip and filling out the survey, call the PWSA lab to arrange for a sample
pick up @ 412-782-7554. The Laboratory & Water Quality Manager, Gina Cyprych, will call you with the results
when they become available.
Thank you,
Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority