Lead Service Lines in Flagstaff, Arizona
What you need to know
Flagstaff City Water serves about 76,960 people in northern Arizona. Like many US water systems, Flagstaff may have lead service lines—pipes that connect homes to the public water main. Lead service lines are a real concern because lead can leach into drinking water, especially in homes with older plumbing.
The current situation: Flagstaff has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines in its system. This is common; many utilities across the country are still mapping their lead pipes as required under federal law.
What is a lead service line?
A lead service line is the underground pipe that brings water from the public main into your home. These lines were installed widely before the 1980s because lead was cheap and easy to work with. The EPA phased out their use, but millions remain buried across the US.
Lead doesn't always make water look, taste, or smell bad. The only way to know for certain is to test. Water sitting in lead pipes overnight (especially first thing in the morning) can pick up lead.
What should you do right now?
Test your water. Flagstaff provides free or low-cost testing through its water department. Contact them to ask about:
- Whether your address is on a lead service line
- How to collect a water sample
- Results interpretation
Reduce exposure while you wait. If you're concerned about lead—particularly if you have young children or are pregnant—run your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking or cooking. This flushes out water that's been sitting in pipes. Use cold water for drinking and cooking; hot water leaches lead faster.
Ask about your plumbing. If your home was built before 1980, there's a higher chance of lead pipes or lead-soldered connections inside your house too. Your water utility can't control indoor plumbing, but they can tell you whether the service line is lead.
Funding and future plans
The federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocated billions for lead service line replacement nationwide. Flagstaff may be eligible for grants or low-interest loans. Contact your water utility to ask about replacement programs and timelines.
Next steps for residents
- Contact Flagstaff water department to request a free water test and ask if your address has a known lead service line
- Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking if you're concerned
- Ask about replacement programs and whether your home qualifies for assistance
- Check the CDC website for more information on lead health effects and testing
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Is the water in Flagstaff safe to drink?
Flagstaff's water meets federal safety standards, but lead service lines can introduce lead into your home's water. The only way to know if your water has lead is to test it. Contact the city water department for free testing.
How do I know if I have a lead service line?
Homes built before 1980 are more likely to have lead service lines. Call Flagstaff's water utility with your address; they can tell you whether your line is known to be lead, galvanized, or copper.
What should I do if my water tests positive for lead?
Use cold water for drinking and cooking, run your tap for 30 seconds before use, and ask your water utility about replacement programs. For health concerns, contact your doctor or the CDC.
Does Flagstaff have money to replace lead pipes?
Flagstaff may be eligible for federal funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Contact your water department to ask about available replacement assistance and timelines.