Lead Service Lines in Tacoma, WA
Tacoma's water system serves 632,059 people across 142 utilities. The largest is Tacoma Water Division, which supplies 446,170 residents. If you're wondering whether lead service lines are present in your neighborhood, here's what you need to know.
What we know about lead in Tacoma's water
The utilities serving Tacoma have not reported confirmed lead service lines in their inventories. However, "not reported" does not mean "not present." Many water systems across the US are still completing their lead service line surveys, which are required by the EPA. Tacoma Water Division and the other major systems serving the area are obligated to identify and publicly disclose lead service lines by specific deadlines.
The age of your home matters. Lead service lines were common installations before they were phased out in the 1980s. If your house was built before 1980 and you live in an older Tacoma neighborhood, your water line could still be lead—even if your utility hasn't flagged it yet.
How to find out if your home has a lead service line
Your water utility keeps records on the material of the service line connecting the main water line to your house. This is the fastest and most reliable way to know.
1. Contact your water provider directly. If you're served by Tacoma Water Division, call them and ask for your service line material. Have your address ready. Other utilities—Southwood (64,155 people), Parkland Light & Water (29,595 people), Summit Water & Supply (16,109 people), and Peacock Hill (7,401 people)—can provide the same information.
2. Check online. Some utilities post lead service line maps or inventories on their websites. Start with your provider's customer portal or water quality reports.
3. Look at your property records. Older inspection reports or plumbing permits sometimes note the service line material.
What to do if you have a lead service line
Even with a lead service line, your water may be safe if it's properly treated and maintained. The EPA requires water systems to control corrosion, which reduces lead leaching. But if you're concerned—especially if there are children under 6 or pregnant people in your home—ask your utility about testing your water and consider using a certified filter for drinking and cooking water.
For health questions, consult your pediatrician or call the CDC at 1-800-CDC-INFO.
Next steps for residents
- Contact your water utility and ask for documentation of your service line material
- Request a water quality report (often called a Consumer Confidence Report) from your provider for details on lead testing
- If you have young children, discuss water safety with your pediatrician
- Look up your utility's name and phone number in your water bill or online
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```json [ { "q": "Does Tacoma have lead in the water?", "a": "Tacoma's water utilities have not reported confirmed lead service lines in their current inventories. However, lead service lines may still exist and be unknown to utilities, especially in homes built before 1980. Contact your water utility to find out if your specific service line is made of lead." }, { "q": "How do I know if my house has a lead service line?", "a": "Call your water utility with your address and ask them directly about your service line material. They keep records of this. You can also check your property's inspection reports or plumbing permits, or ask your utility if they have an online map." }, { "q": "Is it safe to drink water from a lead service line?", "a": "It depends on water treatment and corrosion control. The EPA requires utilities to treat water to reduce lead leaching. If you're concerned—especially with children under 6 in the home—ask your utility about water testing and consider a certified filter for drinking and cooking water."