LeadPipeLookup

Tennessee › City overview

Lead service lines in Chattanooga, TN

9 water utilities serve Chattanooga, with approximately 276,688 people served.

Last verified from EPA SDWIS + utility inventories: 2026-04-14
Known lead
0
Galvanized
0
Unknown
0
% unknown
—

Lead Service Lines in Chattanooga, TN

Chattanooga's water system serves about 276,688 residents through 9 different water utilities. The largest is Tennessee American Water, which supplies over 207,000 people in the area.

What we know about lead service lines in Chattanooga

Lead service lines are water pipes made of lead that connect the water main in the street to homes and buildings. Lead can leach into drinking water, especially in older homes or when water is corrosive.

Currently, no confirmed lead service lines have been reported in Chattanooga's public water system inventories. However, this does not mean lead service lines are absent. Many water systems across the US, including some in Tennessee, are still in the process of surveying their infrastructure. Older homes built before 1986—when lead solder in plumbing became restricted—are at higher risk of having lead pipes or solder on their property side of the connection.

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

Your water utility maintains records of service line materials. Contact your local water provider directly—they can tell you what material connects your home to the main line. Tennessee American Water and Eastside Utility District serve the vast majority of Chattanooga residents.

If your utility doesn't have complete records, ask them about their inventory timeline and whether they can conduct a site inspection. You can also hire a licensed plumber to inspect your property's plumbing or have your water tested for lead.

Protecting your household

If lead is present, flushing the line for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking can help. The CDC recommends boiling water does not remove lead; use cold water for drinking and cooking, and let it run until it becomes noticeably colder (typically 30 seconds to 2 minutes).

If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your pediatrician or doctor about lead testing.

Next steps for residents

  • Contact your water utility to ask about lead service lines serving your address and request inspection if records are incomplete.
  • Have your water tested through your local health department or a certified lab if you're concerned about lead exposure.
  • Check your home's age and plumbing records — homes built before 1986 are at higher risk.
  • Consult a pediatrician if household members are at risk for lead exposure, particularly young children.

Utilities serving Chattanooga

Common questions

Does Chattanooga have lead in the water?

No confirmed lead service lines have been reported in Chattanooga's public water utility inventories, but this does not guarantee they're absent. Older homes built before 1986 may have lead pipes or solder on the property side of the connection. Contact your water utility to check records for your specific address.

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

Contact your water utility (Tennessee American Water or Eastside Utility District for most of Chattanooga) and ask about the service line material serving your address. You can also hire a licensed plumber to inspect your home's plumbing or have your water tested for lead.

Is lead water dangerous?

Lead in drinking water can pose serious health risks, especially for young children and pregnant women. If you're concerned about exposure, talk to your pediatrician or doctor. The CDC has guidance on reducing lead in drinking water at home.

Can boiling water remove lead?

No, boiling water does not remove lead. If concerned about lead, use cold tap water for drinking and cooking, and let the tap run for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before use to flush the line.