Lead Service Line Information for City of Burlingame
What you need to know
The City of Burlingame serves about 31,451 people with water from surface sources. As of now, the city has not completed a public inventory of lead service lines in its system.
Lead service lines are water pipes made of lead that connect the water main (in the street) to homes and buildings. If your home was built before 1986, there's a higher chance your service line contains lead. Lead can leach into your drinking water, especially if the water is acidic or hasn't been sitting in the pipes for a while.
What has Burlingame done so far?
California requires all water systems to develop and maintain a lead service line inventory. The city is working on this requirement, but a detailed public inventory is not yet available online. This doesn't mean the city hasn't taken action—it means the information is still being collected and verified.
If you want to know what stage the city is in, or if they have preliminary findings, contact the city's water utility directly.
How to find out if your home has a lead service line
1. Check your home's age. Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead service lines. 2. Contact the city. Ask if they have records of your property's service line material. 3. Hire a plumber. They can inspect the visible portion of your service line at the meter or where it enters your home.
If you're concerned about lead in your water
Test your water through a certified lab. The EPA recommends testing for lead and copper. Your pediatrician or local health department can recommend labs in your area.
Next steps for residents
- Contact City of Burlingame Water Utility to ask about the status of the lead service line inventory and whether they have records for your address.
- Test your water if you have young children or are pregnant—lead exposure is a health concern at certain levels.
- Install a point-of-use filter certified for lead removal (NSF/ANSI Standard 53) if testing shows lead in your water.
- Check the EPA's water testing guide for detailed instructions and certified lab information.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Burlingame have lead in the water?
The city hasn't published a complete inventory yet, so we don't have a public count of lead service lines. Your best option is to test your water and contact the utility to ask about your specific address.
How old does my house need to be to have a lead service line?
Homes built before 1986 are at higher risk. Lead service lines were common before regulations tightened, but age alone doesn't guarantee you have one—a plumber or the city can confirm.
What do I do if I find out my service line has lead?
Replacing the line is the only permanent fix. You can also use a certified lead-removal filter on your tap in the meantime. Talk to a licensed plumber about replacement options and costs.
Is Burlingame getting federal money to replace lead pipes?
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides funding for lead line replacement nationwide. Contact the city to ask if they've received or applied for these grants.