Lead Service Lines at REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY
REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY serves about 419,000 people across Connecticut. Like water utilities nationwide, it is required by federal law to maintain an inventory of lead service lines — the pipes that connect homes to the water main.
What you need to know right now
A lead service line is a water pipe made of lead. If your home was built before 1986, it's more likely to have one. Lead can leach into drinking water, especially from older pipes or in homes with corrosive water.
REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY has not yet published a complete lead service line inventory on a public database. This means you cannot currently look up your address on LeadPipeLookup to see what the utility knows about your property.
Why this matters for your home
If lead enters your water, you cannot see, taste, or smell it. For young children and pregnant people, even small amounts of lead exposure can affect development. There is no safe level of lead in drinking water.
The good news: lead in water is preventable. If you have a lead service line, you can reduce exposure significantly with a certified water filter or by replacing the pipe. Many utilities now offer rebates or help with replacement costs.
What the utility is doing
Federal rules require utilities to:
- Identify which homes have lead service lines
- Develop a plan to replace them over time
- Notify customers of risks
- Provide information on filters and testing
REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY is working to complete its inventory. Until it does, you won't see detailed data here. You can still contact the utility directly to ask about your property.
Next steps for residents
- Contact your utility. Call REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY and ask: Does my address have a lead service line? How can I find out?
- Get your water tested. Many health departments offer free or low-cost lead testing. Results take 1–2 weeks.
- Consider a filter or replacement. NSF-certified filters reduce lead; full line replacement eliminates it. Ask your utility about rebates or programs.
- Talk to your doctor if you have young children and are concerned about lead exposure — they can order a blood test if needed.
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 best way is to contact REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY and ask about your address. You can also have a plumber inspect the line where it enters your home, or request a water test from your local health department to check for lead.
Is lead in water dangerous?
Yes. Lead can build up in the body and harm brain development in young children and cause other health problems. The CDC recommends testing water in homes with children under 6 or pregnant people.
Can I fix this myself?
You can install an NSF-certified filter (certified for lead reduction) to reduce exposure immediately. Full replacement of a service line requires a licensed plumber and usually costs $3,000–$8,000, though many utilities now offer rebates or assistance programs.
Why doesn't the utility have this information online yet?
Many utilities are still completing their inventories under federal deadline requirements. REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY is required by law to finish and publish its inventory — check back or contact the utility for an update on their timeline.