Lead Service Lines in San Antonio, TX
San Antonio serves about 2.2 million people through 89 water systems. The largest is the San Antonio Water System (SAWS), which provides water to over 2.1 million residents. Other systems serve military bases, smaller municipalities, and school districts across the area.
What we know about lead in San Antonio's water
Lead enters drinking water primarily through lead service lines—pipes that connect the water main in the street to homes and buildings. These lines are most common in older neighborhoods, typically built before 1980. San Antonio does not currently have reported counts of known lead service lines or galvanized pipes in its public inventories.
This does not mean lead pipes don't exist in San Antonio; it means the data has not yet been fully compiled and made public. Federal law (the Lead and Copper Rule) requires water utilities to maintain inventories, but many systems nationwide are still completing these records.
What you can do now
Contact your water utility directly. The San Antonio Water System and other local utilities can tell you:
- Whether your address has a lead service line
- What material your service line is made of
- Whether they have testing programs
You can also request your utility's lead service line inventory, which they are required to maintain under federal rules.
If your home was built before 1980 and you're concerned about lead, a licensed plumber can inspect your service line. You can also install a point-of-use water filter certified for lead (look for NSF/ANSI Standard 53).
Health and testing
Lead exposure can harm children's development. If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your pediatrician or contact the CDC for guidance on testing and next steps. A simple water test from your utility or a certified lab can tell you if lead is present in your tap water.
Next steps for residents
- Contact your water utility (SAWS: 210-704-7575) and ask about your service line material and any lead testing programs
- Request your utility's lead service line inventory — they are required to have one
- Have your water tested if your home is pre-1980 and you're concerned; your utility or a certified lab can do this
- Consult your pediatrician if you have children and want guidance on lead exposure