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Lead service lines in Norfolk, VA

7 water utilities serve Norfolk, with approximately 298,422 people served.

Last verified from EPA SDWIS + utility inventories: 2026-04-14
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Lead Service Lines in Norfolk, VA

Norfolk's water system serves about 298,000 people through seven different utilities. The largest is the City of Norfolk, which serves 234,000 residents, followed by several naval installations that serve their personnel and families.

What we know about lead service lines in Norfolk

Lead service lines are pipes that carry water from the main water line under the street to homes. They were common in older cities because lead doesn't corrode easily, but we now know even small amounts of lead in drinking water can be harmful—especially for children and pregnant people.

For Norfolk, inventory data on lead service lines has not yet been publicly reported by the water systems serving the city. This means we don't have official counts of how many homes may have lead lines. The City of Norfolk and the naval water systems are required by federal law to identify and report this information, but those inventories are still in progress or not yet made public.

Why this matters

Lead service lines are the single largest source of lead in drinking water for many American homes. The longer water sits in a lead pipe—especially if the water is corrosive—the more lead can leach into your tap water. Boiling water does not remove lead.

If you live in an older home in Norfolk (built before the 1950s), your property is more likely to have a lead service line, though they can exist in homes of any age.

What the federal deadline means

Water utilities nationwide must complete lead service line inventories by October 2024 and share results with customers. If your utility has not yet published this information, you can ask them directly for your home's status.

Next steps for residents

  • Contact your water utility — Call or email to ask if your address has a known lead service line. If you don't know which utility serves you, check your water bill.
  • Request your service line material — Even if inventory data isn't complete, your utility may have records for your specific address.
  • Get your water tested — A simple test (usually free or low-cost from your health department) tells you if lead is present in your tap water right now.
  • Use a certified filter — If lead is detected, an NSF-certified pitcher or faucet filter labeled for lead reduction can help while you plan next steps.

Utilities serving Norfolk

Common questions

Does Norfolk have lead in the water?

Lead levels in Norfolk's treated water are regulated by the EPA, but lead service lines—the pipes from the street to homes—can introduce lead at the point of entry. Whether you're exposed depends on your home's plumbing. Contact your water utility or get a free test from the Norfolk Health Department to know your home's status.

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

Ask your water utility directly—they're required to have records of service line material for your address. If you can safely access the water line outside your home, you can also look for a dull gray metal (lead) versus shiny copper or darker iron/steel. A magnet won't stick to lead.

Is it safe to drink tap water in Norfolk?

Norfolk's water treatment meets EPA safety standards, but lead service lines can contaminate water as it enters your home. The safest way to know is to test your tap water—request a free test from the Norfolk Health Department or buy a kit from a hardware store.

What should I do if my home has a lead service line?

Use a certified filter for drinking and cooking water while you plan replacement. Full replacement of the service line is the only permanent solution; contact your water utility about replacement programs or financial assistance available in Virginia.