Lead Service Lines in Sacramento
Sacramento's water system serves about 528,000 people. Whether you have a lead service line—the pipe that connects the water main under the street to your home—depends on where you live and when your house was built. Lead pipes were common before the 1980s, especially in older neighborhoods.
What we know about Sacramento's lead pipes
The City of Sacramento has not yet published a detailed inventory of lead service lines in its distribution system. This means the data on this page is incomplete: we don't have a count of how many lead, galvanized, or non-lead pipes the utility has identified so far.
This is not unusual. Many water systems across the country are still in the early stages of mapping their lead service lines. Federal rules require all public water systems to complete their lead service line inventories by October 2024, so Sacramento should publish this information soon if it hasn't already.
How to find out about your home
The most direct way to learn whether your home has a lead service line:
1. Contact Sacramento's water utility directly. Call their customer service line or visit their website and ask if they have information about your property's service line material. Provide your address.
2. Check public records. Some cities maintain records (permits, construction files) that show what material was used when your home was connected. Sacramento's building department or planning office may have these files.
3. Hire a plumber. A licensed plumber can inspect the pipe where it enters your home and tell you if it's lead, galvanized steel, or copper. This usually costs $100–$200.
4. Request a water sample. If you're concerned about lead in your tap water, Sacramento offers free testing through their water quality program. High lead levels in water are rare in homes with modern plumbing, but testing gives you a clear answer.
Next steps for residents
- Contact the City of Sacramento water utility with your address to ask about your service line material
- Check the utility's website or call 311 for information on free water testing
- If you rent, ask your landlord about the service line or request they arrange testing
- If you have young children and are concerned, talk to your pediatrician about lead screening
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 Sacramento home has a lead service line?
Contact Sacramento's water utility with your address—they may have records. You can also hire a plumber to inspect where the water line enters your home, or check building permits from when your house was built. Homes built before 1980 are more likely to have lead pipes.
Is my drinking water safe if I have a lead service line?
Not always. Lead can leach into water, especially if the pipe is old or water is acidic. The best way to know is to get your water tested—Sacramento offers free testing. If lead is found, a water filter certified for lead removal or flushing the tap before use can help reduce exposure.
How much does it cost to replace a lead service line?
Replacement typically costs $3,000–$25,000 depending on the length of the pipe and whether it's in the street or yard. Some programs offer rebates or cost-sharing. Contact Sacramento water to ask about assistance programs in your area.
What should I do if I'm worried about lead exposure?
Get your water tested (Sacramento provides free testing), flush tap water before drinking, and talk to your doctor or pediatrician if you have health concerns. The CDC and your local health department can also provide guidance.