EPA Approves In-House Method for Total-Lead Testing

A new portable analyzer from Hach Company has been approved by the EPA for lead determination. The analyzer is designed for municipalities currently relying on outside laboratories for lead determinations. The Hach Scanning Analyzer HSA-1000 provides low parts-per-billion (ppb) lead measurements, in-house, without investment in expensive equipment or highly trained technicians. Staff members follow step-by-step instructions for sample digestion and a simplified, anodic stripping voltammetry technique to obtain total-recoverable-lead values that satisfy the requirements of the federal Lead and Copper Rule.

The HSA-1000 Analyzer automatically recognizes the proper calibration for each matched lot of prepared sample conditioning tablets and disposable sensing electrodes. This system makes instrument setup fast and simple, eliminates contamination across samples, and allows consistent readings among operator shifts. The test provides low parts-per-billion (ppb) detection, is not subject to interferences typical in drinking water, and yields readings in three minutes.