Lead Service Lines in Flagstaff, AZ

Lead service lines are pipes made of lead that carry water from the main water line in the street to your home. If you have one, water sitting in the pipe overnight or over several hours can absorb lead. Flagstaff's water systems have not yet reported the total number of lead service lines in their inventories to state regulators—this information is still being collected.

What you need to know about Flagstaff's water systems

Flagstaff is served by 46 different water systems. The largest is the City of Flagstaff, which serves about 76,960 people. Other notable systems include Doney Park Water (8,996 people), Kachina Village DWID (3,500 people), Forest Highlands Water Company (1,668 people), and Ponderosa Utility Corp (1,585 people).

None of these systems have yet reported confirmed counts of lead service lines in public records. This does not mean you don't have a lead service line—it means the inventory work is still underway.

How to find out if you have a lead service line

Your water utility should have records of what material your service line is made from. Contact your local water system directly and ask them to check their records. Be specific: ask about the service line between the main and your meter (usually in the street) and between the meter and your home.

If records don't exist or are unclear, you can hire a plumber to inspect your line or send a sample to a lab for lead testing. Your utility may also be able to tell you whether your neighborhood was built during an era when lead pipes were common in your area.

What to do if you have or suspect a lead service line

• Run cold water first. Before drinking or cooking, let cold water run for 30 seconds to 2 minutes, especially if water has been sitting in pipes for more than 6 hours.
• Use cold water for drinking and cooking. Hot water pulls lead out of pipes faster than cold water.
• Test your water. Many utilities offer free or low-cost lead testing. Contact your local water system to ask.
• Consider replacement. The only permanent fix is replacing the line. Ask your utility if they have lead service line replacement programs or financial assistance.

Next steps for residents

• Call your water utility (listed below) and ask for your service line material records.
• If you have young children in your home, contact your pediatrician about whether a blood lead test makes sense for your family.
• Visit the EPA's guide to lead in drinking water for more detailed information.
• Ask your utility about lead testing and replacement assistance programs.

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