Lead Service Lines in Chesapeake, VA

Chesapeake serves about 202,650 people across 33 water systems. If you're wondering whether lead service lines—the pipes that connect your home to the main water line—might be in your neighborhood, here's what we know.

What's the status in Chesapeake?

Currently, the water systems serving Chesapeake have not reported any confirmed lead service lines to state regulators. The two largest systems are the City of Chesapeake's Northwest River System (serving 165,240 people) and Western Branch System (serving 32,326 people). Smaller systems, including several park and commercial systems, round out the total.

However, "not reported" doesn't necessarily mean "none exist." Many older cities built before the 1980s may have lead service lines that haven't been inventoried yet. Federal rules now require water utilities to complete a full inventory of service lines by 2024, so your utility may still be conducting surveys.

Why does this matter?

Lead in drinking water comes almost entirely from pipes and fixtures, not from the water source itself. If you have a lead service line, water sitting in those pipes overnight (especially in homes built before 1970) can pick up lead. Young children and pregnant people are at highest risk.

The good news: lead is fully preventable through simple steps like flushing your pipes and using a filter.

What you can do right now

Contact your water utility directly. The City of Chesapeake utilities can tell you:

• Whether a lead service line is documented on your property
• Whether your home was built in an era when lead pipes were common (pre-1980s)
• What your utility recommends for testing and filtration

Get your water tested if you're concerned. A simple lab test costs $20–50 and gives you a definitive answer. Your pediatrician or the Virginia Department of Health can point you to local testing options.

Don't panic, but do act. Lead exposure is preventable, and most Chesapeake residents are likely drinking safe water. The steps you take now will give you peace of mind.

Next steps for residents

• Call your water utility (City of Chesapeake or your local system) and ask: "Do you have records of a lead service line at my address?"
• Check your home's age. If it was built before 1980, ask the utility about their testing recommendations.
• Have your water tested through a certified lab if your utility recommends it or if your home is a known risk.
• Visit the CDC's lead and water page for health information and filtration guidance.

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