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Lead service lines in Decatur, GA

4 water utilities serve Decatur, with approximately 743,307 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 Decatur, GA

What you need to know

Decatur's water is served by 4 water systems. The largest—DeKalb County—serves roughly 743,000 people in the area. At this time, none of these systems have reported confirmed lead service lines to the EPA.

That said, "no reported lead" doesn't automatically mean your home is lead-free. Service line inventories are still being completed across the country, and many utilities have incomplete records, especially for older neighborhoods. If your home was built before the 1980s, your service line—the pipe that connects your meter to the main water line under the street—could be lead, galvanized steel (which may contain lead solder), or copper.

How to find out about your service line

Start by contacting your water utility directly. DeKalb County's water department can tell you:

  • What material your service line is made of
  • Whether your neighborhood has a history of lead service lines
  • What testing or replacement programs they offer

You can also:

  • Check your water bill or utility letter — some systems mail service line material information
  • Look at your property records — older deeds sometimes note pipe material
  • Have a plumber inspect — they can identify the pipe material where it enters your home (though accessing the full line requires more work)

Testing your water

Even if your service line is lead, the amount of lead in your tap water depends on several factors: water chemistry, pipe condition, stagnation time, and whether you have protective filters.

The EPA recommends free or low-cost testing through your local health department. DeKalb County's water utility may also offer testing. A certified lab can measure lead levels in your first-draw water (water that's sat in pipes overnight) and flushed water.

What to do if you're concerned

If test results show elevated lead, the EPA suggests:

  • Using a certified filter (NSF/ANSI Standard 53)
  • Flushing the tap for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking
  • Using cold water for drinking and cooking (hot water leaches lead faster)

For health questions—especially if children under 6 are in your home—contact your pediatrician or the CDC.

Next steps for residents

  • Contact DeKalb County Water Utility to ask about your service line material and any inventory data
  • Request free water testing through your utility or local health department
  • If you own an older home, ask your utility about lead service line replacement programs or grants
  • Visit the EPA's lead service line guidance for federal resources

```json [ { "q": "Does Decatur have lead in the water?", "a": "DeKalb County, which serves most of Decatur, has not reported confirmed lead service lines to the EPA. However, inventory work is ongoing nationwide, and older homes may still have lead pipes that haven't been cataloged. Contact your utility to check your specific service line." }, { "q": "How do I know if my house has a lead service line?", "a": "Call DeKalb County Water Utility and ask. You can also have a plumber inspect where the line enters your home, though the full line runs under the street. Your utility may have records or neighborhood maps showing pipe material." }, { "q": "Can I test my tap water for lead?", "a": "Yes. DeKalb County or your local health department offers free or low-cost testing. You'll need to collect a first-draw sample (water that's sat in pipes overnight) and a flushed sample for comparison." }, { "q": "What should I do if my water tests high for lead?", "a": "Use a certified filter (NSF/ANSI 53), flush your tap for

Utilities serving Decatur