NEW BRITAIN WATER DEPARTMENT Lead Service Line Inventory
New Britain Water Department serves approximately 73,534 people in Connecticut. Like water systems across the U.S., it is required by federal law to identify and report on lead service lines — the pipes that connect the water main to homes.
What you're looking at
This page shows what New Britain Water Department has reported about lead service lines in its system. A lead service line is a pipe made of lead (a toxic metal) that brings water from the street into your home. If your home was built before 1986 — particularly before the 1970s — your service line is more likely to be lead.
Current inventory status: New Britain Water Department has not yet completed a full inventory of its service lines. No data on the number of lead, galvanized, or non-lead lines has been reported to the state.
Why this matters
Lead can leach into drinking water, especially in homes where the water is acidic or corrosive, or when water sits in pipes for hours. Children under six, pregnant people, and nursing mothers are at highest risk from lead exposure.
Even if your home has a lead service line, you can reduce exposure by running cold water before drinking it, using cold water for cooking and baby formula, and having your water tested.
What New Britain Water Department is doing
Federal law requires all public water systems to develop and maintain an inventory of lead service lines. New Britain Water Department is working to meet these requirements, though the inventory remains incomplete.
For the most current information on the department's progress — including when a full inventory might be available — contact the utility directly.
Next steps for residents
- Contact New Britain Water Department to ask if your address has a lead service line on record and request a copy of your service line materials
- Have your water tested for lead; contact the water department for approved testing labs or instructions
- Use cold water for drinking and cooking while you wait for answers — lead leaches more readily from hot water
- Check the CDC website if you have health concerns about lead exposure in children or pregnancy
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 I have a lead service line?
Contact New Britain Water Department directly with your address. They can tell you what materials your service line is made of. You can also check your home's age and construction records, or hire a plumber to inspect the line where it enters your home.
Is lead in water dangerous?
Lead is toxic and can cause serious health problems, especially in young children. For health questions, talk to your pediatrician or call the CDC. Even small amounts of lead exposure matter, so reduction and testing are worth doing.
What should I do if I think I have a lead service line?
First, have your water tested. Then contact New Britain Water Department to confirm your service line material. If it is lead, ask about replacement programs or funding that may be available to you.
Can I replace my lead service line myself?
Service line replacement requires licensed plumbers and coordination with your water utility. Contact New Britain Water Department to ask about approved contractors and any assistance programs they offer.