LeadPipeLookup

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Lead service lines in Austin, TX

811 water utilities serve Austin, with approximately 1,879,111 people served.

Last verified from EPA SDWIS + utility inventories: 2026-04-14
Known lead
0
Galvanized
0
Unknown
0
% unknown
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Lead Service Lines in Austin, TX

Austin's water systems serve about 1.9 million people across the city and surrounding areas. Whether your home has a lead service line—the pipe that connects the main water line under the street to your house—depends on your address, your home's age, and your specific water utility.

What we know about lead in Austin

The data on lead service lines in Austin's water systems is currently incomplete. The City of Austin Water & Wastewater (which serves over 1.1 million people) and most other local utilities have not yet published complete inventories of known lead service lines, galvanized steel pipes, or unknown pipe materials in their service areas.

This doesn't mean there are no lead service lines in Austin—it means the information hasn't been fully documented or made public yet. Lead service lines were commonly installed in U.S. cities built before the 1960s, and Austin has many older neighborhoods where they may exist.

How to find out if your home has a lead service line

Contact your water utility directly. Austin residents should reach out to the City of Austin Water & Wastewater Department. If you're served by a smaller utility (like Travis County WCID 17, Paseo del Este MUD 1, or another provider), contact that system instead.

When you call:

  • Have your address ready
  • Ask whether your home is connected by a lead service line, galvanized steel, or copper
  • Request information about what the utility knows and what testing might be recommended
  • Ask if they have a public inventory or map you can view online

What you can do now

Even if you don't know your pipe material, you can reduce lead exposure by:

  • Running tap water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking (flushes water sitting in pipes overnight)
  • Using cold water for drinking and cooking (hot water leaches more lead)
  • Having your water tested if you have young children, are pregnant, or want peace of mind

If you are concerned about your family's health, talk to your pediatrician or contact the CDC for guidance specific to your situation.

Next steps for residents

  • Contact your water utility with your address and ask about your service line material
  • Request a copy of any lead service line inventory or pipe material records they maintain
  • Have your water tested through a certified lab if you want to know current lead levels (often done affordably through county health departments)
  • Check back periodically — utilities are required to complete inventories, and Austin's data may be updated in coming months or years

Utilities serving Austin

Common questions

Does Austin have lead in the water?

Austin's water systems have not yet published complete information about lead service lines. Lead may be present in pipes connecting homes to the main water line, especially in older neighborhoods. Contact your specific water utility to learn about your home's service line material.

How do I know if my house has a lead service line?

Call your water utility (typically the City of Austin Water & Wastewater for city residents) with your address. They can tell you what material your service line is made of. You can also hire a plumber to inspect the pipe where it enters your home.

Is it safe to drink tap water in Austin?

Austin's tap water meets federal safety standards. However, if your home has a lead service line or old galvanized pipes, lead can leach into water sitting in those pipes overnight. Running water before drinking and using cold water for drinking/cooking reduces exposure.

Can lead in water hurt my baby?

Lead exposure can affect children's development. If you have a young child or are pregnant, talk to your pediatrician or doctor about testing your water and taking precautions. The CDC and EPA have guidance for families concerned about lead exposure.