Lead Service Lines at Sacramento International Airport Water System
What you need to know
Sacramento International Airport Water System serves about 41,717 people. Like all US water systems, it is required by federal law to maintain an inventory of lead service lines (LSLs)—pipes that connect homes to the main water line and can leach lead into drinking water.
Currently, this water system has not yet inventoried its service lines. This does not mean there are no lead pipes. It means the work to identify them is still underway or not yet complete. Water systems have until 2024 to finish this inventory under federal deadline extensions.
Why this matters
Lead service lines are the most common source of lead in residential drinking water. Even "low levels" can affect children's brain development, particularly kids under six. Lead exposure has no safe threshold—if lead is present, reducing it matters.
If your home was built before 1990, there is a meaningful possibility your service line contains lead or galvanized steel (which can also corrode and release lead). Older neighborhoods are at higher risk.
What Sacramento International Airport Water System should do next
Your water system needs to:
- Complete its service line inventory and publish the results
- Share which homes have or likely have lead lines
- Develop a replacement plan with a timeline
You can request this information directly from the utility.
What you can do now
Test your water. A simple lead test costs $20–50 and takes one week. Contact your local health department or visit nsf.org to find a certified lab.
Use filtered water for drinking and cooking while you wait for more information. Boiling does not remove lead.
Flush your taps before drinking or cooking—run cold water for 30 seconds to several minutes, depending on how long it sat in the pipes.
If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your pediatrician or OB-GYN about lead testing.
Next steps for residents
- Contact Sacramento International Airport Water System directly to ask about your service line and when the inventory will be complete.
- Test your tap water through a certified lab.
- Use a pitcher or faucet filter certified for lead reduction (NSF/ANSI Standard 53) while you gather information.
- If testing shows lead, ask your utility about replacement options and any available funding.
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 home has a lead service line?
Most homes built before 1990 have lead or galvanized service lines. Your water system should have a map or list. You can also have a plumber inspect the line where it enters your house—lead is soft and gray, and a magnet won't stick to it.
Is lead in water safe at any level?
No. The EPA sets a maximum contaminant level goal of zero. Even small amounts can harm children's development. If lead is present, reducing it is important.
Will a water filter remove lead?
Some filters do, but not all. Look for one certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead reduction. Pitcher filters and faucet filters can work, but whole-house filters are most effective if your service line is the problem.
What does 'no inventory yet' mean for my home?
It means your water system hasn't finished mapping which homes have lead lines. This is still required by federal law. Contact your utility to ask when the inventory will be done and how you'll be notified.