Lead service lines in Dallas, TX
Dallas's water systems serve about 1.6 million people across the city and surrounding areas. Whether lead service lines pose a risk in your neighborhood depends on which utility serves your address and how old your building's plumbing is.
What we know about lead in Dallas water systems
Lead service lines are pipes that connect the water main (buried under the street) to your home. They were commonly installed before the 1980s. The good news: Dallas Water Utility and other major systems serving the area have not reported confirmed lead service lines in their current inventories.
However, "not reported" doesn't always mean "confirmed absent." Some utilities may still be investigating their older infrastructure or have incomplete records. Texas requires water systems to maintain lead service line inventories, but older records are sometimes hard to locate.
Your building's age matters more than the utility
Homes and buildings built before 1980 are more likely to have lead service lines, even in areas where inventories show none. The EPA and CDC recommend testing your water if:
- Your home was built before 1986
- You have lead pipes or brass fittings visible in your basement
- Your water comes out cloudy or discolored sometimes
Lead doesn't always show up in drinking water, and you can't see, smell, or taste it. A simple water test is the only way to know for sure.
How to get your water tested
Contact your local water utility directly—they can tell you whether your service line is lead and may offer free or low-cost testing. The five largest utilities in the Dallas area are listed below. If you're in a smaller city or suburb, your utility will have the same information.
You can also buy a home testing kit from a hardware store or hire a certified lab to test your water.
Next steps for residents
- Find your water utility: Enter your address on this site or call your city's water department to confirm which system serves you.
- Ask about your service line: Request the material of your service line from your utility. If it's unknown or lead, ask about testing or replacement programs.
- Test your water: If your home was built before 1986, get a free or low-cost test through your utility or a certified lab.
- Learn about treatment: If lead is detected, the CDC recommends flushing your tap and using cold water for drinking and cooking.