SFPUC CITY DISTRIBUTION DIVISION Lead Service Line Inventory
What you need to know
The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) serves approximately 848,019 people across the city distribution division. Your water comes from surface water sources.
Lead service lines—the pipes that connect the water main in the street to your home—are a real concern in some older homes. If your service line is made of lead, drinking water can pick up lead as it sits in the pipe, especially if water sits overnight or after you've been away.
Current inventory status: SFPUC has not yet completed a comprehensive lead service line inventory, which means the utility has not published detailed information about how many known lead, galvanized, or non-lead service lines exist in its system. This doesn't mean there's no lead—it means the count and location details are still being documented.
Why this matters for you
Lead exposure is a real health risk, especially for children under 6 and pregnant people. Even small amounts can affect brain development. There's no safe level of lead in drinking water.
If you live in an older home (especially built before 1950), your service line is more likely to be lead. Galvanized steel pipes, sometimes installed as a replacement for lead lines, can also release lead over time.
What to do now
You can take steps right away to reduce risk while waiting for your utility's inventory work:
- Find out if your service line is lead. Contact SFPUC directly and ask about your property's service line material. Have your address ready.
- Get your water tested. SFPUC can provide you with information on free or low-cost testing through the city.
- Flush cold water. Run cold water from an outdoor faucet for 30 seconds before using water for drinking or cooking, especially first thing in the morning.
- Consider a filter. NSF-certified filters can reduce lead, but replacing the service line is the only permanent solution.
Next steps for residents
- Contact SFPUC to ask about your specific property's service line material and testing options
- Call your pediatrician if you're concerned about family members' exposure, or visit the CDC website for lead health information
- Ask SFPUC about their timeline for completing the service line inventory
- If you own your home, explore funding programs for lead service line replacement
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does San Francisco have lead service lines?
Yes, older homes in San Francisco may have lead service lines. SFPUC is working on a complete inventory, but detailed counts are not yet publicly available. Contact your utility to find out about your specific address.
How do I know if my water has lead?
The only way to know is to test your water. SFPUC can direct you to free or low-cost testing. Also ask your utility whether your service line is lead—that's a major risk factor.
Is lead in San Francisco water safe for kids?
No safe level of lead exists for children. If you have young children, take action now: test your water, flush pipes in the morning, and contact your pediatrician with questions about exposure.
Can I replace my lead service line?
Yes, but it's expensive without help. Ask SFPUC and your city about lead line replacement funding and rebate programs. Replacement is the only permanent solution.