Lead Service Lines in Washington
What we know about lead pipes in Washington
Washington has 4,725 water systems serving roughly 10 million people. As of now, the state has not reported any confirmed lead service lines in its inventory data—though this doesn't mean lead pipes don't exist. Many smaller water systems, particularly in rural areas, have incomplete records of what material their pipes are made from.
Lead service lines are the pipes that connect a water main under the street to your home. If your house was built before 1986, there's a higher chance your service line contains lead, since lead pipes were common and cheap until federal rules limited their use. Even "low-lead" brass fittings installed after 1986 can leach small amounts of lead into drinking water.
Why inventory matters
The EPA now requires all water systems to map out their lead service lines by 2024 and develop plans to replace them. Washington utilities are in the process of gathering this data. Some systems may discover lead or galvanized pipes (which can corrode and release lead) as they dig deeper into old records or inspect pipes directly.
If your water system hasn't completed an inventory yet, it's worth asking them directly what they've found—or haven't found—in your neighborhood.
What you can do right now
You don't have to wait for a complete inventory to take action. If you suspect your home has a lead service line, you can:
- Get your water tested through your local health department (usually free or very cheap).
- Ask your water utility for records specific to your address. They should be able to tell you whether your line is lead, copper, or galvanized.
- Use a filter if testing shows lead. NSF-certified filters rated for lead reduction work at the tap.
For health questions about lead exposure, contact your pediatrician or the CDC.
Next steps for residents
- Contact your water utility and ask for your service line material on file
- Request a free water test through your local health department
- If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your doctor about testing recommendations
- Check back with LeadPipeCheck for updates as Washington utilities complete their inventories