Lead Service Lines in Martinsburg, WV
What You Need to Know
Martinsburg is served by 16 water systems, with about 94,000 residents relying on public water supplies. The largest systems—Berkeley County Public Service Districts and the City of Martinsburg—serve most of the area's population.
Lead in drinking water typically comes from old service lines (the pipes that connect the water main to your home) or from brass fittings and solder in household plumbing. Lead service lines were commonly installed before the 1980s and pose the highest risk. The EPA and CDC recommend testing your water if your home was built before 1986.
Current Inventory Status
None of the major water systems serving Martinsburg have reported confirmed lead service lines in their public inventories. However, this does not mean lead service lines don't exist in your area—it means they either haven't been identified yet or the data hasn't been made available. Many older homes still have lead lines that utilities are still mapping.
The five largest systems serving Martinsburg are:
- Berkeley County PSWD–Potomac River (34,786 people)
- Berkeley County PSWD–Bunker Hill (34,586 people)
- City of Martinsburg (16,250 people)
- Woods Home Owners Association 2 (3,300 people)
- VA Medical Center (2,175 people)
What to Do About Your Home
If your home was built before 1986, your property may have a lead service line. Even if it does, the risk depends on water chemistry, the condition of the line, and how long water sits in the pipes.
Your water utility can tell you whether your property has a known lead service line. Contact them directly—they have records of service line materials by address. If they can't confirm, they may help arrange testing.
A certified lab test of your tap water is the most direct way to know if lead is present in your water right now. Test both cold water (run the tap for 30 seconds first) and water that has sat overnight in the pipes.
Health Questions
If you're concerned about lead exposure, especially for young children or pregnant people, talk to your pediatrician or contact the CDC. Lead exposure can affect child development, and there's no safe level for children.
Next Steps for Residents
- Contact your water utility to ask whether your address has a known lead service line
- Request a water test if your home was built before 1986, or if your utility can't confirm the service line material
- Check the utility's lead and copper rule report (available annually) for water quality data
- Call your pediatrician or local health department if you have health concerns about lead exposure
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```json [ { "q": "Does Martinsburg have lead in the water?", "a": "No confirmed lead service lines have been reported by Martinsburg's water systems in public inventories. However, many older homes may still have lead lines that haven't been identified yet. The best way to know if lead is in your specific water is to test it or contact your utility." }, { "q": "How do I know if my house has a lead service line?", "a": "Contact your water utility directly—they maintain records of service line materials by address. You can also hire a plumber to visually inspect the line where it enters your home. Lead pipes are soft, gray, and leave a mark if you scrape them." }, { "q": "Should I get my water tested for lead?", "a": "Yes, if your home was built before 1986. Lead typically comes from old pipes and fixtures, not the water source itself. A certified lab can test your tap water; ask your utility for a list of certified labs in West Virginia." }, { "q": "Is it safe to drink tap water in Martinsburg?",