Lead service lines in Newark, DE
About 336,350 people in the Newark area get water from 44 different water systems. The largest provider is Artesian Water Company, which serves 231,114 customers. Other major systems include Newark Water Department (40,000 customers) and several regional Artesian systems.
What we know about lead service lines here
Lead service lines—the pipes that connect the water main to your home—are a real concern in older cities and suburbs across the US. In the Newark area, we don't yet have complete data on how many lead service lines exist in each water system.
The utilities serving Newark have not publicly reported a confirmed count of lead service lines. This doesn't mean there are none—it often means the inventory work is still underway. Delaware's water systems are required to develop and maintain inventories under federal Safe Drinking Water Act rules, but timelines and completion rates vary.
Why this matters for your home
If your house was built before the 1980s, there's a realistic chance your service line (the pipe bringing water into your home from the street) is made of lead or contains lead solder. Lead can dissolve into drinking water, especially if the water is acidic or sits in pipes for hours.
Young children and pregnant people face the highest health risks from lead exposure. Even small amounts matter.
What you can do now
Contact your water utility directly. They can tell you whether your address is in a lead service line area and may have records of your service line material. The major utilities serving Newark are:
- Artesian Water Company: Check your bill or call their customer service
- Newark Water Department: Available through the City of Newark
Get your water tested. A simple lab test costs $20–50 and shows whether lead is actually in your water. Contact your utility or your local health department for a list of certified labs.
Use a filter if concerned. NSF-certified filters marked for lead removal work while you investigate further. They're inexpensive and don't require a utility to act.
Ask your utility about replacement programs. Some water systems offer cost-sharing or rebates to replace lead service lines. Rates vary widely.
Next steps for residents
- Call your water utility and ask: "Do I have a lead service line?" They can check their records by your address.
- Request a free or low-cost water test through your utility or local health department.
- If you have young children or are pregnant, discuss testing with your pediatrician or OB-GYN.
- Check whether your utility offers lead line replacement assistance programs.
```json [ { "q": "How do I know if I have a lead service line in Newark DE?", "a": "Your water utility has records of your service line material. Call Artesian Water Company (if they serve you) or Newark Water Department with your address. They can tell you if it's lead, copper, or another material. You can also have a plumber inspect the line where it enters your home." }, { "q": "Is Newark DE water safe to drink?", "a": "Newark's water utilities test for lead regularly and report results to customers. However, lead can enter your water through old service lines or pipes in your home. Testing your specific tap water is the most reliable way to know if lead is present in your water." }, { "q": "What should I do if I'm worried about lead in my water?", "a": "Get your water tested (cost is usually $20–50), use a NSF-certified lead-removal filter as a temporary measure, and contact your utility about their lead line replacement program or discounts. If you have young children, talk to your pediatrician about lead testing." }, { "q": "Does Newark DE help pay to replace lead service lines?", "a": "Some utilities offer rebates or cost-sharing programs, but rates and eligibility vary. Contact Artesian Water Company or Newark Water Department to ask about