Lead Service Line Inventory: CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE CO. - ELA
California Water Service Co. - ELA serves approximately 152,474 people across the East Los Angeles area. Like all U.S. water utilities, this system is required to identify and report on lead service lines—the pipes that carry water from the street main into your home.
What we know about lead service lines here
Inventory status: This utility has not yet completed a lead service line inventory. That means the count of lead lines in the system is currently unknown.
Lead service lines are particularly concerning because lead can leach into your water over time, especially in homes with newer construction or corrosive water. The EPA and CDC recommend that households served by utilities with lead service lines take steps to reduce exposure.
What this means for your home
If you live in this service area, you may have a lead service line even if your utility hasn't inventoried it yet. You won't know without asking your water utility or having your own line inspected.
To find out if your home has a lead service line:
- Contact California Water Service Co. - ELA directly and ask about your service line material.
- Request a visual or written record if one exists.
- If the utility cannot confirm your line is safe, assume worst-case and take precautions (see below).
How to reduce lead exposure right now
- Run the tap. If water has been sitting in pipes for more than 6 hours, flush the line for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking or cooking.
- Use cold water for drinking and cooking. Hot water leaches lead faster.
- Have your water tested. Some county health departments offer free or low-cost testing.
- Install a filter. NSF-certified filters rated for lead (look for NSF/ANSI Standard 53) can reduce lead in your tap water. Replace cartridges per the manufacturer's schedule.
If you have young children or are pregnant, contact your pediatrician or OB/GYN—they may recommend testing. The CDC has guidance on lead and children's health.
Next steps for residents
- Contact your water utility (California Water Service Co. - ELA) and ask the status of their lead service line inventory.
- Ask if they have records showing your service line material.
- Run your tap before using water for drinking or cooking if it's been sitting.
- Get your water tested if you're concerned—your county health department can help.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does California Water Service Co. - ELA have lead in the water?
The utility hasn't completed a full inventory of lead service lines yet, so the exact number is unknown. However, lead service lines may exist in the system. Running your tap and using cold water for drinking and cooking reduces exposure.
How do I know if I have a lead service line?
Contact California Water Service Co. - ELA and ask them to check their records or inspect your line. You can also hire a plumber to visually inspect the connection at your home's foundation. Lead pipes are soft, dull gray, and can be marked with an X when scratched.
Is a water filter enough to remove lead?
An NSF-certified filter (Standard 53) can reduce lead in tap water, but it's not a complete solution. Filters need regular replacement and don't address lead already in pipes. Flushing your tap and addressing the source line are also important.
Should I be worried about lead if I have kids?
Young children are more vulnerable to lead exposure. Talk to your pediatrician about testing and precautions. The CDC recommends reducing exposure through flushing taps, using cold water, and having your water tested.