Lead Service Lines in EPCOR – ANTHEM's Water System
EPCOR – ANTHEM serves about 23,826 people in Arizona. If you live in this service area and are wondering whether your home has a lead service line, here's what you need to know.
What is a lead service line?
A lead service line is the pipe that connects your home to the public water main under the street. If this pipe is made of lead, it can release lead into your drinking water—especially if the water is corrosive or if there's stagnation (water sitting in the pipe).
Lead service lines were commonly installed before the 1980s, though some exist in homes built later. Many homes also have lead-containing brass fittings or solder at connection points, even if the main service line isn't lead.
What does EPCOR – ANTHEM's inventory show?
EPCOR – ANTHEM has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines in its system. The utility is still in the process of identifying which homes may be served by lead pipes.
This doesn't mean your home definitely doesn't have a lead service line—it means the data isn't publicly available yet. Many water systems across the US are still working through their inventories.
What should you do?
Contact EPCOR – ANTHEM directly to ask about your specific address. They may be able to tell you:
- Whether your home's service line is known to be lead, galvanized (which can contain lead), or non-lead
- Whether records exist for your property
- How to get your water tested
- Whether any replacement programs are available
You can also request a simple water test. If you're concerned about lead in your water, testing is often free or low-cost through your utility or local health department.
Health concerns?
If anyone in your home is pregnant, nursing, or under age 6, lead exposure is especially important to minimize. Contact the CDC or your pediatrician for guidance on testing and protective steps.
Next steps for residents
- Contact EPCOR – ANTHEM to ask about your address and request any available records on your service line
- Request a water test through your utility or local health department
- Learn about your options: ask whether the utility has a lead replacement program or rebate
- Check the CDC website for current guidance on reducing lead exposure if you have young children or pregnant household members
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
How do I know if I have a lead service line?
Contact your water utility with your address—they may have records. You can also look where the water line enters your home; lead is soft and gray, and a magnet won't stick to it. Water testing can also reveal if lead is present in your tap water.
Is lead service line water safe to drink?
It depends on the water chemistry and how long water sits in the pipe. Some lead always leaches into water from lead pipes, but the amount varies. Testing is the best way to know your actual lead level.
How much does it cost to replace a lead service line?
Replacement costs vary widely (typically $3,000–$10,000+), but many utilities now offer rebates or cost-sharing programs. Ask EPCOR – ANTHEM whether they have a lead replacement program.
Can I filter out lead from my tap water?
NSF-certified filters designed for lead reduction can help. A point-of-use filter (pitcher or faucet) can reduce lead in drinking and cooking water, but replacing the service line is the permanent solution.