LeadPipeLookup

State overview

Lead service lines in North Carolina

Aggregated lead pipe inventory data for all 5,111 public water systems in North Carolina, serving approximately 9,898,898 residents.

Last verified from EPA SDWIS: 2026-04-14
Water systems
5,111
Population served
9,898,898
Known lead lines
0
Unknown material
0

Lead Service Lines in North Carolina

North Carolina has 5,111 water systems serving roughly 9.9 million people. Lead service lines—the pipes that connect water mains to individual homes—remain a concern in older communities across the state, even though current data shows zero confirmed lead lines documented in the state's official inventory.

Why this matters

Lead service lines can leach lead into drinking water, especially in homes built before the 1980s or in areas with corrosive water. Even low levels of lead exposure can affect children's development and learning. If your home was built in the mid-20th century or earlier, your service line may be lead or galvanized steel (which can also corrode and release metals).

What North Carolina has (and hasn't) done

The state's water systems are required to test and inventory their service lines under federal law. However, many utilities have not yet completed full inventories or public reporting. The absence of confirmed lead lines in the state database does not mean lead service lines don't exist—it often reflects incomplete data collection or ongoing assessment efforts.

North Carolina has not received federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funding specifically designated for lead service line removal as of the data shown here. This means federal replacement grants may be limited, though some utilities may access other state or federal programs.

What you should do now

Your best resource is your local water utility. They have (or are developing) an inventory of service lines in your neighborhood. Asking directly is the fastest way to learn whether your home's line is lead, galvanized, or copper.

If you rent, contact your landlord or property manager. If you own, a water utility can often determine line material from records—or you may be able to see it yourself at the meter pit or where the line enters the foundation.

Next steps for residents

  • Contact your water utility with your address and ask about your service line material. Ask how far along they are in their inventory efforts.
  • If your line is lead or unknown, ask about testing your water and any replacement programs or rebates available.
  • For health concerns, speak with your pediatrician or contact the NC Department of Health and Human Services.
  • Visit LeadPipeCheck or your utility's website to see if your system has published its inventory online.

Largest public water systems in North Carolina

UtilityPWSIDPopulationKnown leadUnknown
MILE HIGH CAMPGROUND043740046———
LITTLE SNOWBIRD CHURCH043740048———
OLD ANTIOCH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH043740050———
YOGI CAMPGROUND043740013———
WRIGHTS CREEK BAPIST CHURCH043740031———
CHEROKEE- 3200 ACRE COMMUNITY WS043740040———
GOOSE CREEK RETIREMENT PARK043740008———
CHEROKEE - SNOWBIRD/CORNSILK COMMUNITY043740043———
TWIN FORKS RV PARK043740045———
STRAIGHTFORK BAPTIST CHURCH043740033———
WOLFE CAMPGROUND043740017———
CHEROKEE - LAZY TURTLE CAMPGROUND043740058———
CHEROKEE - ROUGH BRANCH WATER SYSTEM043700056———
BIG COVE RECREATIONAL CENTER043740052———
INDIAN CREEK CAMPGROUND043740012———
CHEROKEE WATER SYSTEM043740039———
HUSKEY CABIN WATER SYSTEM043740041———
CHEROKEE - SNOWBIRD YOUTH CENTER043740054———
ELJAWA CAMPGROUND043740020———
CHARLOTTE WATERNC01600101,163,701——
RALEIGH, CITY OFNC0392010640,000——
WINSTON-SALEM, CITY OFNC0234010388,060——
DURHAM, CITY OFNC0332010322,083——
GREENSBORO, CITY OFNC0241010319,588——
CARY, TOWN OFNC0392020224,000——

Cities in North Carolina

More on lead pipes in North Carolina

Frequently asked about lead pipes in North Carolina

Does North Carolina have lead service lines?

Yes. While the state's current data shows zero confirmed lead lines in official inventories, many North Carolina communities—especially older ones—likely have them. The lack of documented cases usually reflects incomplete inventory work rather than their absence.

How do I know if my house has a lead service line?

Contact your water utility with your address; they maintain or are building records of service line materials. You can also look where the water line enters your home—lead is soft, gray, and dents easily with a screwdriver. Galvanized steel is silver-gray and harder.

Is the water in North Carolina safe to drink?

North Carolina water systems must meet federal safety standards. However, if your home has a lead service line, lead can enter your water. Test your water and ask your utility about treatment options or line replacement programs.

Are there grants to replace lead pipes in North Carolina?

As of now, the state has not received designated federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for lead line replacement. Check with your local water utility about any replacement programs, low-interest loans, or other assistance they may offer.