Description
The Lead Water Test Kit uses a colloidal gold test cassette to provide an initial screening result for lead ions in a water sample. The result is interpreted using the control line marked C and the test line marked T. This is a qualitative screening test: it does not measure an exact lead concentration or provide a complete assessment of drinking-water safety.
Understanding the Screening Threshold
The screening cutoff of 10 parts per billion (ppb), equivalent to 10 micrograms per litre (µg/L) or 0.010 milligrams per litre (mg/L).
The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines specify that lead should not exceed 0.005 mg/L, equivalent to 5 µg/L or approximately 5 ppb.
Because this kit’s stated cutoff is higher than the Australian guideline, a negative result cannot establish that the sample meets that guideline. For example, a concentration between 5 and 10 ppb could exceed the guideline without producing a positive screening result.
For assessment against the Australian guideline, arrange laboratory testing with a reporting limit suitable for measuring below 0.005 mg/L.
What’s Included
Each test includes:
- One test cassette.
- One freeze-dried reagent powder tube.
- One small dropper.
- One desiccant sachet.
- Instructions.
The number of tests supplied depends on the pack quantity selected. The desiccant protects the packaged product from moisture and is not added to the sample.
How to Use the Lead Water Test Kit
Read the supplied instructions before starting.
- Collect at least 10 mL of water in a clean container. Allow the sample to reach room temperature before testing.
- Open the cassette’s foil pouch when ready to begin and place the cassette on a clean, level surface.
- Use the supplied dropper to draw water to its marked 80 µL graduation.
- Transfer the measured water into the reagent powder tube. Mix until the powder has dissolved.
- Use the dropper to transfer the prepared mixture into the cassette’s sample well, as directed in the instructions.
- Start timing and read the result at the time specified in the supplied instructions.
Please note that results read after 20 minutes are invalid. Do not interpret later changes in the lines.
How to Read the Result
Both C and T lines appear — negative screening result
Negative category relative to the stated 10 ppb cutoff. It does not mean the water is lead-free or meets Australia’s 5 ppb drinking-water guideline.
The C line appears, but no T line appears — positive screening result
Positive category. Arrange laboratory confirmation and seek advice about investigating the water supply.
No C line appears — invalid result
The result is invalid, whether or not a T line is visible. Repeat the test with a new kit, following the instructions.
If the line pattern is unclear, do not assume the result is negative. Contact Allora for assistance or arrange laboratory testing.
Why Lead May Be Present in Water
Lead can enter water through contact with lead-containing plumbing materials, including some fittings, alloys and solder. Conditions such as water chemistry, temperature and the time water remains in plumbing can influence leaching.
A result applies to the sample collected. It does not establish the condition of every tap or the water supply at all times.
Important Test Limitations
This kit:
- Provides initial screening at a manufacturer-stated 10 ppb cutoff.
- Cannot establish compliance with Australia’s 5 ppb lead guideline.
- Does not provide an exact lead concentration.
- Does not assess other metals, bacteria or chemical contaminants.
- Is intended for water samples, rather than paint, soil, food or biological samples.
- Does not replace laboratory testing for drinking-water assessment or compliance purposes.
Sample collection, preparation, storage and reading time can affect the result. Follow the instructions supplied with the current product.
What to Do After a Positive Result
Use an alternative safe water supply for drinking and food preparation while seeking advice about suspected lead contamination. Contact a plumber, water provider, local health authority or council environmental health officer. Arrange testing through a laboratory accredited for the relevant water analysis, and follow its sampling instructions.
Lead contamination may involve plumbing within the property. A qualified plumber may be needed to investigate the source.
Boiling does not remove lead from water.
Storage and Expiry
Store unused kits at 4–30°C in their sealed packaging. Do not freeze.
Open the cassette pouch only when ready to begin testing and use it promptly according to the supplied instructions.
Follow the expiry date printed on the individual pack. Do not use expired tests.
Handling and Disposal
Keep the kit, reagents and prepared sample away from children, pets and food. Do not swallow the reagents or drink the prepared sample. Wash your hands after handling.
Keep used items contained and follow the product-specific disposal instructions and local waste requirements.
For more information on our Lead Water Test Kit, please refer to our FAQ page. Test Kit FAQ's
FAQ's
The Lead Water Test Kit uses a measured water sample, reagent tube and test cassette. Prepare the sample according to the instructions, then interpret the C and T lines at the specified reading time. The result is initial screening at a manufacturer-stated 10 ppb cutoff, rather than a numerical laboratory measurement.
10 ppb cutoff, equivalent to 10 µg/L or 0.010 mg/L. This is higher than Australia’s current drinking-water guideline of 5 ppb, or 0.005 mg/L. The kit cannot confirm that a sample meets the Australian guideline.
For this particular kit, both C and T lines indicate a negative screening result. A C line without a T line indicates a positive screening result. If the C line is absent, the result is invalid. Follow the supplied diagram carefully, because line interpretation can differ between test products.
No. A negative result does not establish that the water is lead-free, below Australia’s 5 ppb lead guideline or free from other contaminants. This kit’s stated screening cutoff is 10 ppb. Arrange suitable laboratory testing if you need to assess drinking-water suitability.
Use an alternative safe drinking-water supply while seeking advice and arranging laboratory confirmation. Contact your water provider or local health authority about the result. Follow the laboratory’s sampling instructions, and seek plumbing advice if lead-containing fittings or materials may be involved.
Follow the reading time specified in the instructions supplied with your kit. The manufacturer’s leaflet states that results read after 20 minutes are invalid. Do not interpret the result too early or use later changes in the lines to reassess it.
No. Boiling does not remove lead. If you suspect lead contamination, use an alternative safe drinking-water supply and obtain advice about testing, the source of contamination and appropriate corrective measures.
