Lead Service Lines in Virginia
Virginia's water systems serve 7.86 million people across the state. Whether lead pipes are a concern in your area depends on which water utility serves your home and whether your utility has completed an inventory of its service lines.
What we know about lead lines in Virginia
Right now, Virginia's water utilities have not reported known lead service lines to state or federal databases. This doesn't mean lead pipes don't exist—it means either utilities haven't finished their inventories yet, or the data hasn't been made public. The EPA requires all water systems to identify and map lead service lines, but many utilities across the country are still in the process of doing this work.
Virginia has 2,766 public water systems. The largest utilities serving the state include Fairfax County Water Authority (1.12 million people), Virginia Beach (438,000 people), Newport News (407,000 people), Chesterfield County Central Water System (390,000 people), and Loudoun Water (335,000 people).
Why the inventory matters
Lead enters drinking water through corroded pipes and fixtures. The longer water sits in a lead pipe, the more lead can leach into it. Flushing the tap before use and using cold water for drinking and cooking can reduce exposure, but the best solution is to know whether you have lead service lines and replace them.
Water utilities are required to share their lead service line inventories with customers. In Virginia, you can ask your utility whether a lead service line connects your home to the main water line. They should have this information or be actively working to identify it.
Next steps for residents
- Contact your local water utility and ask: "Do I have a lead service line?" Request their service line inventory or replacement plan.
- Get your water tested if you're concerned about lead. Contact your water utility for a free or low-cost test kit.
- If you have a lead service line, ask your utility about replacement programs or financial assistance. The federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is funding lead line removal nationwide.
- For health questions, talk to your pediatrician or call the CDC at 1-800-CDC-INFO if you're worried about lead exposure.