EASTERN MUNICIPAL WD Lead Service Line Inventory
EASTERN MUNICIPAL WD serves approximately 666,581 residents across California. Like all US water utilities, it is required by federal law to identify and track lead service lines—the pipes that connect the public water main to individual homes.
What is a lead service line?
A lead service line is a pipe made of lead or containing lead solder that carries drinking water from the street into your home. Lead can leach into water, especially if water is corrosive or sits in pipes for hours. Lead exposure is a serious health concern, particularly for young children and pregnant people.
What we know about EASTERN MUNICIPAL WD's lead service lines
As of now, EASTERN MUNICIPAL WD has not yet completed a full public inventory of its lead service lines. The utility has not disclosed the total number of lines inventoried, the count of known lead lines, or details about replacement timelines and funding.
This does not mean the utility is ignoring the issue—many large water systems across the country are still in early stages of completing their inventories. Under federal deadline requirements, all utilities must have comprehensive lead service line inventories finished by specific dates based on system size.
How to find out about your home
Your first step is to contact EASTERN MUNICIPAL WD directly and ask whether your service line is lead, galvanized steel, copper, or another material. The utility may have records from past work on your property or from neighborhood surveys. If records don't exist, the utility can advise you on testing options.
What you can do now
Even if you don't know your service line material, you can reduce lead exposure:
- Run cold water before drinking or cooking (let it flow 30 seconds to a few minutes, depending on how long water has been sitting).
- Use cold water for baby formula and cooking, since hot water leaches more lead.
- Have your water tested if you're concerned—many utilities offer free or low-cost testing kits.
If you are pregnant, have young children, or are otherwise concerned about lead exposure, talk to your pediatrician or contact the CDC's lead information line.
Next steps for residents
- Contact EASTERN MUNICIPAL WD and ask about your service line material and any available testing.
- Request information about the utility's lead service line replacement timeline and funding.
- If you have young children in your home, discuss water safety with your pediatrician.
- Consider a water filter certified to reduce lead if you live in an older home (certified filters are inexpensive and widely available).
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
How do I know if my water has lead in it?
The only way to know is to test your water. Contact EASTERN MUNICIPAL WD and ask if they offer free or low-cost testing kits, or buy a certified test kit from a hardware store. Testing takes a few days and will tell you the actual lead level in your tap water.
What should I do if I'm worried about lead and my kids?
Talk to your child's pediatrician—they can advise you on testing and steps to reduce exposure. In the meantime, run cold water before drinking or cooking, and use cold water for baby formula. The CDC website has detailed guidance on lead and children's health.
When will EASTERN MUNICIPAL WD replace lead service lines?
Contact the utility directly to ask about their replacement schedule and funding. Federal law requires all utilities to replace lead lines, but timelines vary by system and funding availability.
Can a water filter help with lead?
Yes, if it's certified to reduce lead. Look for NSF/ANSI Standard 53 certification on the package. Pitcher and faucet-mounted filters are affordable options, though they need regular replacement.