LeadPipeLookup

State overview

Lead service lines in Virginia

Aggregated lead pipe inventory data for all 2,766 public water systems in Virginia, serving approximately 7,861,040 residents.

Last verified from EPA SDWIS: 2026-04-14
Water systems
2,766
Population served
7,861,040
Known lead lines
0
Unknown material
0

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.

Largest public water systems in Virginia

UtilityPWSIDPopulationKnown leadUnknown
BUG-O-NAY-GE-SHIG SCHOOL GYM050594225
FAIRFAX COUNTY WATER AUTHORITYVA60595011,121,613
VIRGINIA BEACH, CITY OFVA3810900437,994
NEWPORT NEWS, CITY OFVA3700500407,300
CHESTERFIELD CO CENTRAL WATER SYSTEMVA4041845389,897
LOUDOUN WATER - CENTRAL SYSTEMVA6107350334,808
HENRICO COUNTY WATER SYSTEMVA4087125330,000
NORFOLK, CITY OFVA3710100234,220
RICHMOND, CITY OFVA4760100229,395
ARLINGTON COUNTYVA6013010215,000
WESTERN VIRGINIA WATER AUTHORITYVA2770900182,700
PWCSA - EASTVA6153600168,747
CITY OF CHESAPEAKE - NORTHWEST RIVER SYSVA3550051165,240
ALEXANDRIA, CITY OFVA6510010159,200
PWCSA - WESTVA6153251136,409
STAFFORD COUNTY UTILITIESVA6179100123,684
PORTSMOUTH, CITY OFVA374060097,915
SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY UTILITIESVA617730095,686
LYNCHBURG, CITY OFVA568020080,995
ACSA URBAN AREAVA200305377,408
DULLES AIRPORTVA605905076,500
DALE CITYVA615362572,062
SUFFOLK, CITY OFVA380080569,822
LEESBURG, TOWN OFVA610730065,028
HARRISONBURG, CITY OFVA266034561,000

Cities in Virginia

More on lead pipes in Virginia

Frequently asked about lead pipes in Virginia

Does Virginia have lead in the water?

Lead comes from pipes and fixtures, not the water source itself. Whether you're at risk depends on your home's plumbing. Contact your water utility to find out if you have a lead service line.

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

Call your local water utility and ask them directly. They maintain records of service line materials. You can also check your property deed or water bill for clues, but the utility has the authoritative answer.

Is it safe to drink tap water in Virginia?

Virginia's tap water is regularly tested and monitored. However, if you have a lead service line or old pipes, flushing the tap for 30 seconds before drinking and using cold water can help. For specific health concerns, talk to your doctor.

Can I get help paying to replace a lead service line?

Yes. Many Virginia utilities offer replacement programs with partial or full funding. Federal grants are also available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Contact your water utility to ask about local programs.