LeadPipeLookup

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Lead service lines in Birmingham, AL

65 water utilities serve Birmingham, with approximately 603,718 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 Birmingham, AL

What we know about lead pipes in Birmingham

Birmingham's water systems serve about 603,700 people across 65 different public water systems. The largest is the Central Alabama Water System, which supplies water to roughly 585,000 residents.

Current inventory status: The water systems serving Birmingham have not yet publicly disclosed whether they have lead service lines, galvanized pipes, or unknown materials. This doesn't mean lead pipes aren't present—it means the data hasn't been made available yet. Under federal law, water utilities must test their pipes and report findings by 2024.

Why this matters

Lead service lines are pipes that connect the water main under the street to homes. If present and corroded, they can release lead into drinking water. This is a real concern, especially for young children and pregnant people. Even small amounts of lead exposure can affect child development.

Your home may have a lead service line if it was built before the 1980s (when lead pipes were banned) and is located in an older neighborhood. Not all old homes have lead pipes—materials varied by location and year.

What Birmingham residents can do now

Contact your water utility to ask if lead service lines have been identified in your neighborhood or if your address is known to have lead pipes. The Central Alabama Water System and other local utilities are required to provide this information.

Test your water if you're concerned. A certified lab test costs $15–30 and tells you whether lead is actually in your tap water right now—which depends on pipe material, water chemistry, and other factors.

Use the free resources available: the EPA's water utility locator and lead reduction guidance can help you understand your options.

Next steps for residents

  • Call or visit your local water utility's website to ask about lead service lines in your area
  • Request a free or low-cost water test through your utility or a certified lab
  • If you have young children or are pregnant, discuss water safety with your pediatrician or doctor
  • Check the EPA's My Water's Fluoridation and Lead resource for additional local information

Utilities serving Birmingham

Common questions

Does Birmingham have lead in the water?

Birmingham's water systems haven't yet reported whether lead service lines are present. Lead in tap water depends on pipe material and water chemistry—testing is the only way to know if lead is in your specific home.

How do I know if my house has a lead pipe?

Homes built before the 1980s in older neighborhoods are more likely to have lead pipes. Contact your water utility or a plumber to inspect the pipe connecting your home to the water main. You can also have your water tested.

Is lead in water dangerous for kids?

Yes—lead exposure can affect child development and learning. Talk to your pediatrician about your specific situation and water safety. The CDC has resources on protecting children from lead.

How much does it cost to replace a lead service line?

Replacement typically costs $3,000–$25,000 depending on pipe length and digging difficulty. Some utilities offer assistance programs or cost-sharing. Contact the Central Alabama Water System or your local utility to ask about financial help.