Lead Service Lines in New Orleans, LA

New Orleans serves nearly 390,000 residents through 16 different water systems. The two largest—New Orleans Carrollton Water Works (serving about 335,000 people) and New Orleans Algiers Water Works (serving about 52,800)—handle the vast majority of the city's water supply.

What we know about lead in New Orleans water systems

The water systems serving New Orleans have not reported known lead service lines in their current inventories. However, "no reported" does not mean "none exist." Many older water systems, especially in cities with aging infrastructure, are still completing their lead service line inventories. New Orleans has significant housing stock from the early 1900s, when lead pipes were common.

Lead service lines are the pipes that run from the water main in the street to your home. If your home was built or had plumbing work done before the late 1980s, there's a reasonable chance your service line could contain lead—even if your water system hasn't formally inventoried it yet.

What you can do now

Test your water. The most direct way to know if lead is reaching your tap is to have your water tested. The EPA recommends testing the first draw (water that sits in pipes overnight) and the cold water you use for drinking and cooking. Contact your local water utility for a free or low-cost test kit, or use a certified lab.

Know your service line. Ask your water utility whether they have records of your home's service line material. Older homes in New Orleans are more likely to have lead or galvanized steel pipes. A plumber can also visually inspect the service line where it enters your home (usually in the basement or crawl space).

Reduce exposure in the meantime. If you're concerned about lead, run the tap for 30 seconds before using water for drinking or cooking. Use cold water for food preparation (hot water leaches more lead). These steps are simple and cost nothing.

Next steps for residents

• Contact NEW ORLEANS CARROLLTON WATER WORKS or NEW ORLEANS ALGIERS WATER WORKS (depending on your neighborhood) to request a free water test or ask about your service line records
• Have your water tested by a certified lab if your utility doesn't offer free testing
• If your home was built before 1990, ask a plumber to identify your service line material
• For health questions about lead exposure, especially for children under 6, consult your pediatrician or the CDC's lead guidance

```json [ { "q": "Does New Orleans have lead pipes?", "a": "New Orleans' two largest water systems have not reported known lead service lines in their inventories. However, inventories are still being completed citywide, and homes built before the late 1980s are at higher risk. Testing your water is the most reliable way to know if lead is present in your home." }, { "q": "How do I get my water tested for lead in New Orleans?", "a": "Contact your water utility (New Orleans Carrollton Water Works or New Orleans Algiers Water Works) to ask about free or low-cost testing. You can also hire a certified lab. Focus on testing the first draw of water from your tap in the morning." }, { "q": "Is it safe to drink tap water in New Orleans?", "a": "New Orleans' water systems meet federal safety standards. However, if your home has a lead service line or lead pipes inside, lead can leach into your water. Testing is the best way to determine your actual exposure." }, { "q": "What should I do if my water tests positive for lead?", "a": "Contact your water utility to discuss results and ask about their lead reduction programs. Short-term steps include using cold water for drinking and cooking, and running the tap for 30