Lead Service Lines in Tulsa, OK
Tulsa's water system serves about 417,000 people across 15 water utilities. The City of Tulsa's main water system alone serves roughly 413,000 residents.
What we know about lead in Tulsa's water
Lead service lines are pipes that connect the water main (in the street) to homes. If your home was built before the 1980s, there's a higher chance your service line contains lead. Lead can leach into drinking water, especially from older pipes or when water is corrosive.
Right now, we don't have published data on how many lead service lines exist in Tulsa's water systems. This doesn't mean there aren't any—it means the utilities haven't yet released those numbers publicly or completed their full inventories.
Federal rules require water systems to locate and document lead service lines by 2027, so more information should become available in the coming years.
What you can do now
Check your home's age. If your house was built before 1980, lead service lines are more common. Check your home's deed or a property website for construction date.
Contact the City of Tulsa's water utility directly to ask about your specific address. They can tell you if your service line is known to be lead, galvanized steel (which can also contain lead), or another material. You'll need your street address.
Test your water. A simple test kit (under $30) can tell you if lead is in your tap water. The EPA recommends testing if your home is older or if you have children under six or pregnant household members.
Use cold water for drinking and cooking. Hot water pulls more lead from pipes. Let tap water run for 30 seconds before collecting water, especially in the morning.
If you have health concerns about lead exposure, talk to your doctor or contact the CDC's lead information line for guidance.
Next steps for residents
- Call the City of Tulsa Water Department to ask about your service line material
- Look up your home's construction year online or through property records
- Order a water test kit or contact your local health department about free testing
- If you have young children, discuss lead safety with your pediatrician