Lead Service Line Inventory for Tucson City of Water
Tucson serves about 733,000 people across a large area of southern Arizona. Like many US cities, Tucson uses a mix of water infrastructure—some of it decades old. If your home was built before the 1980s or 90s, there's a chance your connection to the city water main includes a lead service line, which can leach lead into your drinking water.
What Tucson has shared about lead lines
Right now, Tucson has not published specific numbers about how many lead service lines exist in its system. The utility has not yet made its lead service line inventory publicly available online. This doesn't mean there's no problem—it means the inventory work may still be underway, or the data hasn't been released yet.
Lead service lines are the small pipes that run from the city's main water line to your home. They were legal to install until 1986, and they're still common in older neighborhoods. Even if Tucson's water is treated to reduce corrosion, lead can still dissolve from these pipes over time.
What you can do now
Test your water. The most direct way to know if lead is reaching your tap is a water test. Tucson provides free or low-cost testing through its water utility. Call them to ask about testing programs or instructions for collecting a sample yourself.
Find out if your service line is lead. Contact Tucson City of directly and ask about your property address. They may have records of when your line was installed or replaced. If they don't have records, an older home (built before 1986) is at higher risk.
Check for lead fixtures inside your home. Lead can also come from solder on pipes, brass faucets, or fixtures inside your house. Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have these.
If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your pediatrician or OB-GYN about testing and next steps. The CDC has resources on lead exposure and health.
Next steps for residents
- Contact Tucson City of Water to ask if your address is on a lead service line and to request a free water test.
- Test your tap water for lead using a certified lab or kit recommended by your utility.
- Document your home's age and construction details—these help determine risk.
- Ask about replacement programs or financial assistance if your line is confirmed to be lead.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Tucson have lead in the water?
Tucson's water is treated, but lead can still leach from lead service lines (pipes connecting your home to the city main). Tucson has not yet publicly released a full count of lead lines in its system. Testing your tap water is the best way to know if lead is reaching your home.
How do I find out if my house has a lead service line?
Contact Tucson City of directly with your address and ask them to check their records. Homes built before 1986 are at higher risk. If the utility doesn't have records, you can hire a plumber to inspect your line.
How can I get my water tested for lead in Tucson?
Call Tucson City of and ask about their water testing program—many utilities offer free or low-cost testing. You can also hire a certified lab, though this usually costs $20–$50 per sample.
What should I do if my water has lead?
Use bottled water for drinking and cooking until you fix the problem. Talk to your doctor, especially if children or pregnant people live in your home. Ask Tucson City of about lead line replacement programs or financial help.