Lead Service Lines in California Water Service Co. - Dominguez

What you need to know

California Water Service Co. - Dominguez serves approximately 144,000 people in the Los Angeles area. Like all US water utilities, it is required to identify and track lead service lines—the pipes that connect the public water main to homes and buildings.

Current inventory status: The utility has not yet completed a full lead service line inventory. This means the exact number of lead pipes in the system is unknown.

Why this matters

A lead service line is the most common source of lead in drinking water. If your home was built before 1988—particularly before 1950—there's a higher chance your connection contains lead or galvanized steel (which can corrode and release lead). The only way to know for sure is through testing or records from your utility.

Lead exposure carries real health risks, especially for young children and pregnant people. Even low levels can affect development and learning. If you're concerned about your family's health, contact your pediatrician or the CDC.

What California Water Service Co. - Dominguez is doing

The utility is required by federal and state law to:

• Identify all lead and galvanized service lines in its system
• Notify customers whose homes have lead lines
• Develop a plan to replace lead service lines over time

Because the inventory is incomplete, the utility may still be in early stages of this process or collecting data from property records and previous water main work.

What you can do right now

Find out if your home has a lead service line:

• Contact California Water Service Co. - Dominguez directly and ask about your specific address
• Request records of your service line material
• Ask if they've completed work in your neighborhood recently

Reduce exposure while you wait:

• Use a pitcher or faucet filter certified for lead removal (look for NSF/ANSI 53)
• Let water run for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking if the water hasn't been used for several hours
• Use cold water for drinking and cooking (hot water leaches lead faster)

Get your water tested:

• Many state and local health departments offer free or low-cost lead testing
• A simple test can tell you if lead is present in your home's water

Next steps for residents

• Call your utility at their main number and ask: "Do you have records showing whether my home has a lead service line?" Provide your address.
• Request updates on when the full inventory will be completed in your area.
• Test your water if you're concerned, especially if your home was built before 1988.
• Contact California's water division (State Water Resources Control Board) if the utility doesn't respond to your inquiry within 30 days.

```json [ { "q": "Does California Water Service Co. - Dominguez have lead in the water?", "a": "The utility hasn't completed its full inventory yet, so the exact number of lead service lines is unknown. Lead contamination usually comes from service lines at individual homes, not the main water supply. Testing your home's water is the best way to know if lead is present." }, { "q": "How do I find out if my house has a lead service line?", "a": "Contact California Water Service Co. - Dominguez with your address and ask them directly. You can also check property records or look at the pipe where it enters your home—lead is soft and gray, while copper is reddish or greenish." }, { "q": "Is it safe to drink the water from California Water Service Co. - Dominguez?", "a": "The utility is required to meet federal safety standards. However, if your home has a lead service line, your tap water may contain lead. A water test for your specific home is the only way to be sure." }, { "q": "When will California Water Service Co. - Dominguez replace lead