LeadPipeLookup

California › City overview

Lead service lines in Los Angeles, CA

49 water utilities serve Los Angeles, with approximately 7,852,413 people served.

Last verified from EPA SDWIS + utility inventories: 2026-04-14
Known lead
0
Galvanized
0
Unknown
0
% unknown
—

Lead Service Lines in Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles serves nearly 7.9 million people across 49 water systems. Lead service lines—pipes that connect the water main to homes—are a potential source of lead in drinking water, though the risk varies widely by neighborhood and water system.

What we know about lead in Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (which serves about 7.75 million residents) has not yet reported confirmed lead service lines in its inventory. However, "not reported" does not mean "none exist." California water systems are still in the early stages of mapping lead service lines. Many utilities have incomplete records, especially for older neighborhoods where these pipes were more common.

Lead service lines were widely installed before the 1980s. If your home was built before 1950, or if you live in an older part of the city, there's a higher chance your service line contains lead—even if your utility hasn't formally documented it yet.

Why this matters

Lead can leach into water, especially in homes with older plumbing. Even low levels of lead exposure are a health concern for children and pregnant people. The CDC recommends testing your water if you're concerned, particularly if you have young children in the home.

How to check your home

Contact your water utility directly. The easiest first step:

  • Los Angeles Department of Water & Power: Call or visit their website to ask about your service line material. They may have records by address.
  • Other Los Angeles-area systems: Santa Monica Water Division and smaller systems also maintain service line records. Your water bill usually lists your supplier.

When you call, give them your address and ask: 1. What material is your service line made of? 2. Do they have a lead service line inventory map or report? 3. What testing options are available for your water?

Testing your water

If you're concerned, you can request a free or low-cost lead test from your water utility, or contact a certified lab independently. Results take 1–2 weeks typically.

Next steps for residents

  • Identify your water utility (usually printed on your water bill)
  • Call and ask about your service line material by address—utilities keep these records
  • Request a water test if your service line is unknown or confirmed lead
  • Learn about filters (like NSF-certified pitchers) that can reduce lead if testing shows contamination; discuss options with your utility

Utilities serving Los Angeles

Common questions

Does Los Angeles have lead service lines?

Los Angeles has not reported confirmed lead service lines in its public inventory, but records are still being developed. Older neighborhoods and homes built before 1950 are at higher risk. Contact your water utility to check your specific address.

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

Call your water utility (usually the LA Department of Water & Power) with your address and ask what your service line is made of. They maintain records by property. If records are unavailable, a plumber can also inspect it visually.

Is it safe to drink tap water in Los Angeles?

LA's treated water meets federal safety standards, but lead can enter water through older pipes in individual homes. If you're concerned—especially with children in the home—ask your utility about testing or use a lead-reducing filter.

How much does a lead water test cost?

Many water utilities offer free or subsidized lead tests for residents. Contact your utility first; if they don't offer free testing, independent certified labs typically charge $20–50 per sample.