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Lead service lines in Houston, TX

1128 water utilities serve Houston, with approximately 6,055,901 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 Houston, TX

Houston's water infrastructure serves over 6 million people across 1,128 water systems. Lead service lines—pipes that connect homes to the public water main—are a concern in many older cities, but Houston's water utilities have not yet reported any known lead service lines in their inventories.

This doesn't mean lead pipes don't exist in Houston. It means utilities are still in the process of identifying which pipes are made of lead, which are galvanized (steel coated with zinc), and which are safe materials like copper or plastic. The EPA requires all water systems to complete lead service line inventories by October 2024, so information may be incomplete or updated as utilities conduct surveys.

Who supplies your water?

The City of Houston serves 2.97 million residents and is the largest water utility in the area. Several other systems serve surrounding areas, including Clear Lake City Water Authority (89,702 people), City of Houston UD 5 - Kingwood (80,073 people), Harris County MUD 165 (40,503 people), and Bridgestone MUD (24,528 people).

Each utility manages its own inventory and testing. If you don't know which system serves your home, you can find it by entering your address on the LeadPipeLookup map or contacting your local water provider.

What should you do right now?

Lead gets into drinking water primarily through corroded lead service lines and brass fixtures—not from the water source itself. The best way to know if you have a lead service line is to ask your water utility or check the records they've posted online. Many utilities now have interactive maps or searchable databases on their websites.

If you're concerned about lead in your water—whether from old pipes, fixtures, or other sources—contact your water utility for a free water test. The EPA recommends getting your water tested if your home was built before 1986 or if you don't know the age of your plumbing.

Next steps for residents

  • Find your water utility using LeadPipeLookup's map or call the City of Houston Water Department at 713-207-2700
  • Request a free water test from your utility to check for lead; results take 1–2 weeks
  • Ask your utility for your address's lead service line status once inventories are complete
  • Check for lead-safe fixtures if your home was built before 1986; replace older faucets and aerators if needed

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Utilities serving Houston

Common questions

Does Houston have lead service lines?

Houston's water utilities have not reported any known lead service lines in their current inventories. However, inventories are still being completed, so some lead pipes may exist but haven't been identified yet. Contact your water utility to check your specific address.

How do I know if my house has a lead service line?

Contact your water utility with your address; they can check their records or service line maps. You can also look at your water bill or ask during a free water test. Lead pipes are dull gray and can be dented with a coin or magnet.

How do I get my water tested for lead?

Call your water utility and ask for a free lead test. Most utilities in Texas provide this at no cost. Tests typically take 1–2 weeks, and utilities will send you results by mail or email.

Is Houston's tap water safe to drink?

Houston's water utilities regularly test for contaminants and publish annual water quality reports on their websites. If you have concerns about lead specifically, request a free water test from your utility.