Long Beach Utilities Department Lead Service Line Inventory
Long Beach serves approximately 466,772 residents through surface water sourced from distant reservoirs. Like many California utilities, Long Beach is required to maintain an inventory of lead service lines—pipes that may carry lead from the water main to your home.
What we know about Long Beach's inventory
As of now, Long Beach Utilities Department has not yet completed or publicly shared a comprehensive lead service line inventory. This means the number of lead lines in the system is unknown. Utilities nationwide are at different stages of this process; California requires completion by 2024 for most systems, though timelines vary.
An incomplete or unavailable inventory is common, especially in large systems. It does not mean Long Beach's water is unsafe—it means the utility is still gathering data about which service lines may contain lead.
Why this matters for your home
Your service line is the pipe that connects your home to the water main under the street. If it's made of lead, water can pick up lead as it travels through that pipe into your home. Whether your home has a lead service line depends on:
- When your home was built (lead pipes were common before the 1980s)
- Local construction practices at the time
- Whether the line has been replaced since installation
The only way to know for certain is to have your utility check your home's records or have a plumber inspect the line at your property.
What Long Beach is doing
California's drinking water regulations require all public water systems to identify lead service lines and develop replacement plans. Long Beach is subject to these requirements and should be working toward inventory completion and public disclosure. Contact the utility directly to ask about their timeline and your home's specific service line type.
Is your water safe now?
Long Beach's source water—surface water from treated reservoirs—does not naturally contain high levels of lead. Lead risk comes from service lines and home plumbing, not the water source itself. If you're concerned about lead exposure in your home, you can request a water test from Long Beach Utilities or use an EPA-certified lab.
For health concerns, especially if children under six live in your home, contact your pediatrician or the CDC for guidance on testing and prevention.
Next steps for residents
- Contact Long Beach Utilities Department directly to ask about your home's service line material. Request a copy of your service line record.
- Ask about the inventory status. Find out when the utility expects to complete lead service line mapping and when results will be public.
- Consider a water test if you want to check for lead in your home's tap water. Long Beach can provide guidance on certified testing labs.
- Have a plumber inspect if you want to know your service line type, or contact the utility to see if they offer inspection programs.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Long Beach have lead in its water?
Lead is not naturally present in Long Beach's treated surface water. Lead risk comes from old service lines or home plumbing. The utility is still completing an inventory of lead service lines in the system.
How do I know if my home has a lead service line?
Contact Long Beach Utilities and ask them to check your service line record. You can also have a plumber inspect the pipe at your property, or request a professional water test to check for lead.
What should I do if I'm worried about lead?
Get your home's water tested by a certified lab, and contact your pediatrician or the CDC if you have health concerns, especially with young children. Long Beach Utilities can help you find a certified testing provider.
When will Long Beach finish mapping its lead service lines?
California requires completion by 2024. Contact Long Beach Utilities Department directly to ask about their specific timeline and when results will be public.