Lead Service Lines in Los Angeles
About Your Water System
The Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (LADWP) serves approximately 7.8 million people across the city and surrounding areas. Like many large utilities across the country, LADWP has been working to identify and address lead service lines—the pipes that connect the water main in the street to individual homes.
What We Know About Lead Service Lines in LA
Lead service lines are a particular concern in older neighborhoods. These pipes were commonly installed before the 1950s and can leach lead into drinking water, especially if the water is corrosive or if pipes are disturbed during repairs.
Currently, LADWP has not reported completing a full inventory of lead service lines in its system. The utility is required under federal law to identify which properties have lead or galvanized service lines and to share that information with customers.
Your Next Steps
If you live in Los Angeles and get water from LADWP, you may not yet know whether your home has a lead service line. Here's what you can do:
Contact LADWP directly. Call their customer service line or visit their website to ask about your specific property's service line material. They should be able to tell you if your home is known to have a lead, galvanized, or non-lead service line. If they don't have that information yet, ask when they expect to complete their inventory.
Request a water test. You can have your water tested for lead by a certified lab. LADWP can provide guidance on testing or approved labs in the area. Testing is especially important if you have young children or if your home was built before 1951.
Check for visible corrosion. If you can access the service line where it enters your home (often in the basement, crawl space, or under the sink), a dull gray or dark color may indicate lead or galvanized steel.
Next steps for residents
- Contact LADWP to ask about your home's service line material
- Request a water quality test if you have concerns
- If a lead service line is confirmed, ask about replacement programs or rebates
- Keep water testing results and records for your home's file
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Los Angeles have lead in the tap water?
Lead can be present in tap water if homes have lead service lines or lead-containing plumbing fixtures. A water test of your home's tap water is the only way to know if lead is actually reaching your tap. LADWP treats water to reduce corrosion, but this doesn't eliminate risk entirely.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line in Los Angeles?
Contact LADWP customer service and ask about your property's service line material. You can also have a licensed plumber inspect the line where it enters your home. Homes built before the 1950s are more likely to have lead lines.
Is lead service line replacement free in LA?
LADWP may offer programs or cost-sharing for replacement. Contact the utility directly to ask about rebates, grants, or low-income assistance programs that could help cover replacement costs.
What should I do if I'm worried about lead in my child's drinking water?
Talk to your pediatrician about testing your child's blood lead level and your water. In the meantime, use cold tap water for drinking and cooking, flush the tap before use, and consider a pitcher filter certified for lead reduction while you figure out next steps.