Lead Service Lines in CAL-WATER SERVICE CO.-CHICO

What you need to know

CAL-WATER SERVICE CO.-CHICO serves about 114,925 people in the Chico area. The utility draws its water from groundwater sources.

As of now, this utility has not completed a lead service line inventory—meaning there's no public count of how many homes are connected to the water system through lead pipes. This is important information for residents to have, especially if you live in an older home built before lead service lines were phased out in the 1980s.

Why this matters

Lead service lines are one of the most significant sources of lead in drinking water. If your home's connection from the water main to your house is made of lead, water sitting in those pipes overnight or for several hours can pick up lead. Children are especially vulnerable to lead exposure, even at low levels.

Not having an inventory completed doesn't mean there's no lead in your system—it means the water utility hasn't yet mapped which homes have it.

What Cal-Water should be doing

Federal law requires public water utilities to develop and maintain an inventory of lead service lines. If your utility hasn't finished this work, you can ask them directly about their timeline and when residents will have access to the results.

You can also check your own property. If your home was built before the 1990s, there's a higher chance your service line contains lead. A plumber or the utility can help identify the material of your service line.

What you can do now

• Test your water. Contact Cal-Water for free or reduced-cost testing options, or purchase a lead test kit from a hardware store.
• Check your home's age. Homes built before the 1980s–90s are more likely to have lead service lines.
• Ask your utility. Contact Cal-Water directly and ask about their lead service line inventory status, expected completion date, and any available testing programs.
• Flush your taps. If water hasn't been used for more than 6 hours, run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking. This helps clear standing water that may have absorbed lead.

Next steps for residents

• Contact Cal-Water SERVICE CO.-CHICO to ask about their lead service line inventory and any testing programs they offer.
• If you're concerned about health, speak with your pediatrician or contact the CDC for guidance on lead exposure.
• Consider having your water tested, especially if your home is older.
• Ask your water utility about options for lead service line replacement in your area.

```json [ { "q": "Does Cal-Water have lead in the water?", "a": "Cal-Water hasn't yet completed a public inventory of lead service lines, so there's no current count. Lead in drinking water usually comes from lead service lines or household plumbing, not from the water source itself. Testing your water and checking your home's age can help you assess your risk." }, { "q": "How do I know if my house has a lead service line?", "a": "Homes built before the 1980s–90s are more likely to have lead service lines. You can ask your water utility, hire a plumber to inspect, or check your property records. Cal-Water may also be able to tell you if they have records of your service line material." }, { "q": "Can I get my water tested for free?", "a": "Contact Cal-Water directly to ask about free or reduced-cost testing programs. You can also purchase an EPA-certified home test kit from hardware or online retailers." }, { "q": "Is it safe to drink the water right now?", "a": "If you're concerned about lead, flush your taps by running cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking, especially if water hasn't been used for several hours. For health concerns, speak with your pediatrician or the CDC." } ]