Returning Samples?
The last date for receipt of samples for Microbiology Analysis is Friday 19th December. Last return date for Chemistry Analysis to be reported before Christmas is 8th December.
Feedwater Labs will reopen on 5th January 2026. Dismiss
This analysis is suitable for those who would like their drinking (potable) water to be tested for heavy metals as a basic check against regulatory limits. This analysis is suitable as an indication when measured against DWI guidelines but cannot act as a certification that the water is safe to drink.
Add additional parameters to your analysis with our Pick & Mix (Additional parameters will be shown on report but no comment in relation to potability)
From receipt of sample back to our lab results can take up to 12 working days.
Our potable water analysis is perfect for those who would like their drinking water sample to be tested for metals (including heavy metals) as a basic check against the regulatory limits.
This type of water testing may be of particular interest of those with private water supplies such as bore holes, wells or springs where the water is not monitored or treated by the local water authority. This analysis is suitable as an indication when measured against DWI guidelines but cannot act as a certification that the water is safe to drink.
Metals being tested for:
Lead
Boron
Chromium
Mercury
Arsenic
Cadmium
Copper
Antimony
Nickel
Selenium
Aluminium
Manganese
Iron
Sodium
The Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016 can be accessed here: Public / Utility Supply Regs (see SCHEDULE 1 – Prescribed concentrations and values)
The Private Water Supplies (England) Regulations 2016 can be accessed here: Private Supply Regs (see SCHEDULE 1 – Prescribed concentrations and values)
Here is a brief reference table:
Metal Parameter
Maximum allowed
in drinking water
The point where the
legal standards apply
Lead (Pb)
10 µg/l
Consumers' Taps
Boron (B)
1.0 mg/l
Consumers' Taps
Chromium (Cr)
50 µg/l
Consumers' Taps
Mercury (Hg)
1.0 µg/l
Consumers' Taps
Arsenic (As)
10 µg/l
Consumers' Taps
Cadmium (Cd)
5.0 µg/l
Consumers' Taps
Copper (Cu)
2.0 mg/l
Consumers' Taps
Antimony (Sb)
5.0 µg/l
Consumers' Taps
Nickel (Ni)
20 µg/l
Consumers' Taps
Selenium (Se)
10 µg/l
Consumers' Taps
Aluminium (Al)
200 µg/l
Consumers' Taps
Manganese (Mn)
50 µg/l
Consumers' Taps
Iron (Fe)
200 µg/l
Consumers' Taps
Sodium (Na)
200 mg/l
Consumers' Taps
µg/l Micrograms per litre (parts per billion)
mg/l Milligrams per litre (parts per million)
Sample Pack
Sample pack contains:
1x 1L sample bottle
1x return jiffy bag and pre-paid return label
1x Analysis sticker to be filled in
You will received a sample pack in the post to take your water sample, you will then be able to return your sample with our prepaid postage label for analysis for heavy metals by the laboratory. Analysis takes up to 12 working days and will determine the heavy metals content (if any) within your sample.
