Lead Service Lines in California
What you need to know
California serves nearly 46.3 million people through 8,201 water systems. Lead service lines—the pipes that connect the water main in the street to your home—are a potential source of lead in drinking water, especially in homes built before the 1980s.
The good news: California has not reported any confirmed lead service lines in its statewide inventory data. However, this does not mean lead pipes do not exist in the state. Inventories are still being completed, and many water systems are still identifying which homes have lead or galvanized (lead-prone) service lines.
Why this matters
Lead can leach into water as it sits in pipes, especially if water is acidic or stagnant. Young children and pregnant people are most vulnerable to lead exposure. Even low levels can affect development and learning. If you're concerned about your family's health, talk to your pediatrician or contact the CDC.
What California is doing
Water utilities across the state are working to identify lead service lines and replace them. Federal funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is helping pay for replacements, though California has not yet received allocated Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funding according to available data.
The process takes time: utilities must first locate and document all service lines, then plan and fund replacement programs—especially challenging for smaller, rural systems.
What to do now
Your water utility has a map or list of known lead service lines. Some utilities have already completed inventories; others are still in progress. The inventory status varies widely across California's 8,201 systems.
Next steps for residents
- Contact your water utility and ask: "Do you have an inventory of lead service lines? Does my address have one?" Most utilities can tell you over the phone or via their website.
- Get your water tested if you're concerned. Many utilities and health departments offer free or low-cost testing kits.
- Ask about replacement programs. If your home has a lead service line, ask whether your utility offers free or subsidized replacement.
- Use a filter in the meantime. NSF-certified filters rated for lead reduction can help, though replacement is the permanent solution.
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