Lead Service Lines in New Haven, CT
New Haven's water is served by 6 public water systems, with the Regional Water Authority providing service to the vast majority of the city's 419,204 residents.
What we know about lead in New Haven
Lead enters drinking water primarily through service lines—the pipes that connect the public water main to individual homes. These pipes are most commonly made of lead in cities built or heavily expanded before the 1980s.
The Connecticut Department of Public Health requires water utilities to maintain inventories of service line materials. However, data on lead service lines in New Haven is currently unavailable or incomplete. This is common in Connecticut and across the US; many utilities are still working to identify which homes have lead lines.
Your water utility
Regional Water Authority serves 418,900 residents in New Haven and neighboring communities. As the primary provider, this is likely your water company if you live in the city proper.
All Connecticut water utilities must comply with the Lead and Copper Rule, a federal regulation requiring water systems to:
- Monitor lead levels at customer taps
- Treat water to reduce corrosion
- Notify the public if lead exceeds safe levels
If your utility has not disclosed service line data, it may still be in the process of completing its inventory—a requirement that was extended nationally in recent years.
How to find out if you have a lead service line
1. Contact your water utility directly. The Regional Water Authority can tell you what material your service line is made of. You may need to provide your account number or address. 2. Review your utility's Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). This annual report includes lead test results and information about service line inventories. It's available on the utility's website or by request. 3. Check your property records. If your home was built before 1980 and you have the original permits, they may note the pipe material.
Protecting your family
If you suspect or know you have a lead service line:
- Use cold water for drinking and cooking. Hot water dissolves lead more readily.
- Flush the tap for 30 seconds after the water has been off for several hours.
- Consider a pitcher or faucet filter certified to remove lead (NSF Standard 53).
- If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your pediatrician or doctor about testing.
For health questions about lead exposure, consult the CDC's lead guidance or your healthcare provider.
Next steps for residents
- Contact the Regional Water Authority to ask about your service line material and request testing if you're concerned.
- Review your utility's most recent Consumer Confidence Report for lead testing results.
- If you have a lead service line, implement short-term precautions (flushing, cold water use) while exploring longer-term solutions.
- For families with young children, discuss lead risk with your pediatrician.
```json [ { "q": "Does New Haven have lead in the water?", "a": "Lead enters drinking water through old service line pipes, not from the water source itself. New Haven's water is treated to reduce corrosion, but service line inventory data for the city is currently incomplete. Contact the Regional Water Authority to learn about your specific line." }, { "q": "How do I know if my house has a lead service line?", "a": "Call the Regional Water Authority with your address; they can tell you based on their records or inspection. If your home was built before 1980, it's more likely to have lead. You can also hire a plumber to inspect the line where it enters your home." }, { "q": "Is it safe to drink tap water in New Haven?", "a": "The Regional Water Authority tests for lead and treats water to comply with federal safety standards. If your water tested above the action level, your utility must notify you. If you