Lead Service Lines in Chesterfield, VA
Chesterfield County serves about 391,000 people through 7 public water systems. The largest is Chesterfield County Central Water System, which supplies roughly 389,900 residents.
What we know about lead in Chesterfield
Lead service lines are the pipes that connect your home to the public water main. They're a concern because lead can leach into drinking water, especially in older homes or when water is sitting in pipes.
Currently, the inventories available through LeadPipeLookup do not show confirmed lead service lines in Chesterfield's water systems. However, "no reported lead" does not mean "no lead exists." Many water systems are still completing their inventories, which Virginia and federal law require by 2024. Some systems may have incomplete data, especially for older neighborhoods built before the 1980s.
How to find out if your home is at risk
Your first step is to contact Chesterfield County Central Water System (if you're served by them) or your local utility directly. Ask:
- Does my address have a lead service line on record?
- What year was my home built and connected to the water system?
- What does your current lead inventory show for my street or area?
- Can you share your lead service line inventory when it's complete?
If your utility doesn't have definitive answers, you can often identify lead lines by their appearance: they're dull gray, soft enough to scratch with a coin, and magnetic tests won't stick to them. A plumber or your water utility can visually inspect the line where it enters your home.
Testing and protection
If you're concerned about lead in your tap water, you can have it tested. Virginia's Department of Health provides resources and may offer free or low-cost testing. The EPA recommends testing in homes built before 1986, homes with lead paint, or those with known lead service lines.
In the meantime, flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking or cooking can reduce lead levels, especially if water has been sitting overnight.
Next steps for residents
- Contact Chesterfield County Central Water System or your local water utility and request their lead service line inventory and records for your address.
- Ask when the utility expects to complete its full inventory (required by late 2024).
- Request information about lead testing services or refer to the Virginia Department of Health website.
- If you have young children or are pregnant, consult your pediatrician or doctor about testing recommendations.