SACRAMENTO SUBURBAN WATER DISTRICT Lead Service Line Inventory
What is a lead service line?
A lead service line is the pipe that connects your home to the public water main. If your home was built before the 1980s, your service line might be made of lead—a metal that can leach into drinking water and poses health risks, especially for children and pregnant people.
What does Sacramento Suburban Water District know about lead in its system?
Sacramento Suburban Water District serves approximately 194,444 people across the region. The district sources water from surface water sources like rivers and reservoirs.
As of now, the district has not yet completed a comprehensive inventory of lead service lines in its service area. This means the exact number of homes with lead pipes is unknown. The district has not publicly reported counts of known lead lines, galvanized pipes (which can also contain lead), or non-lead lines.
Why should I care if my service line is lead?
Lead is a toxic metal that can cause serious health problems, especially in young children. It can damage the brain and nervous system, lower IQ, and cause learning and behavior problems. Even low levels of exposure matter.
If you live in an older home or don't know what your service line is made of, there's a real possibility it contains lead. The only way to know for sure is to have it tested or visually inspected by a professional.
What should Sacramento Suburban Water District residents do?
Contact your water utility directly to ask:
- Whether your property has been inventoried yet
- How to request an inspection of your service line
- Whether the district offers any testing or replacement programs
In the meantime, you can reduce lead exposure by running water from your cold tap for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking, and by using cold water for baby formula and cooking.
If you have health concerns about lead exposure, consult your pediatrician or contact the CDC's lead information line.
Next steps for residents
- Call or email Sacramento Suburban Water District and ask about their lead service line inventory status and when it will be complete.
- Request a free inspection of your service line if the utility offers one.
- Have your water tested if you suspect lead problems; contact your local health department for approved labs.
- Talk to your pediatrician if anyone in your household is under 6 years old or pregnant.
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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 house has a lead service line?
The most reliable way is to have a professional inspect the pipe where it enters your home (usually in the basement or crawlspace) or have it tested. You can also contact your water utility to ask if your property has been inventoried. Homes built before the 1980s are at higher risk.
Is the water from Sacramento Suburban Water District safe to drink?
The district treats and tests its water to meet federal safety standards. However, if your home has a lead service line, lead can leach into your water between the main and your house. Contact the utility for your home's specific status or have your water tested.
Does Sacramento Suburban Water District replace lead service lines?
Contact the district directly to ask about replacement programs, costs, and eligibility. Some utilities offer financial assistance, rebates, or free replacement for low-income customers. Replacement costs and timelines vary.
What do I do right now if I'm worried about lead in my water?
Run cold water from your tap for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking, use cold water for baby formula, and contact the district to request a service line inspection. Consider having your water tested by a certified lab. If you have young children, talk to your pediatrician.