LeadPipeLookup

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Lead service lines in Wilmington, NC

52 water utilities serve Wilmington, with approximately 213,853 people served.

Last verified from EPA SDWIS + utility inventories: 2026-04-14
Known lead
0
Galvanized
0
Unknown
0
% unknown
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Lead Service Lines in Wilmington, NC

Wilmington's water systems serve about 213,853 people across 52 different utilities. The largest is Cape Fear Public Utilities Authority (CFPUA)—Wilmington, which serves roughly 198,740 residents.

What we know about lead in Wilmington's water pipes

Lead service lines—the pipes that connect the water main to your home—can be a source of lead in drinking water, especially in older neighborhoods. Currently, none of Wilmington's major water systems have reported confirmed lead service lines in their inventories. However, this doesn't mean lead pipes don't exist; it means data collection is still underway.

North Carolina water utilities are required to develop and maintain inventories of lead and galvanized service lines. If your home was built before 1986 (when lead was still used in plumbing), there's a higher chance your service line contains lead, even if it's not yet in an official inventory.

Why this matters

Lead can leach into water from old pipes, especially if your water is corrosive or if plumbing work disturbs deposits inside the line. Children and pregnant women are at greatest risk from lead exposure. The CDC has resources on lead and health if you're concerned.

What you can do

Contact your water utility directly to ask about your service line's material and your neighborhood's lead inventory status. CFPUA—Wilmington (the main provider) maintains records on service line materials dating back decades.

You can also request a free water test from most utilities or use an EPA-certified lab. A simple test will tell you whether lead is actually present in your water right now—which is what matters most for immediate safety.

Next steps for residents

  • Contact CFPUA—Wilmington (PWSID: NC0465010) or your local utility to ask if your address is on their lead service line inventory or if testing has been done in your area.
  • Request a water test if you're in an older home or concerned about recent plumbing work.
  • If lead is detected, use a certified filter (NSF-certified for lead) until your service line can be replaced or flushed.
  • Check the EPA's lead and copper rule updates for what your utility must do to protect you.

```json [ { "q": "How do I know if my house in Wilmington has a lead service line?", "a": "Contact your water utility (CFPUA—Wilmington for most residents) and ask about your service line material. They maintain historical records. You can also check your home's age—houses built before 1986 are at higher risk. A visual inspection of the pipe where it enters your home can help too: lead is soft, dull gray, and leaves a mark if you scratch it." }, { "q": "Is there lead in Wilmington tap water right now?", "a": "The only way to know for sure is to test your water. None of Wilmington's major utilities have reported confirmed lead service lines, but that doesn't mean lead isn't present in individual homes. A simple EPA-certified test costs little and gives you a definite answer." }, { "q": "What should I do if I'm worried about lead in my water?", "a": "Start by testing your water through your utility or an independent lab. If lead is found, use an NSF-certified filter designed for lead removal. Longer-term, plan to have your service line replaced—many utilities offer grants or financing. Talk to your pediatrician if you have young children." }, { "q": "Is Wilmington

Utilities serving Wilmington