DOVER AIR FORCE BASE Water System Lead Service Line Inventory
What you need to know
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE serves approximately 11,000 people in Delaware. Like all public water systems in the US, it is required to identify and report lead service lines—the pipes that connect the water main to individual homes.
Currently, this water system has not yet completed a public inventory of its lead service lines. This means the utility hasn't published a count of how many lead lines exist in its service area, or details about which homes may be affected.
Why this matters
Lead service lines are the most common source of lead in drinking water. Even if your water utility treats its water properly, old lead pipes can leach small amounts of lead into your water, especially in homes with naturally acidic water or where pipes are disturbed.
The federal Lead and Copper Rule requires utilities to locate and document lead service lines and develop plans to replace them. However, the timeline and status of DOVER AIR FORCE BASE's inventory efforts are not yet public.
What you can do right now
Contact your water utility directly. DOVER AIR FORCE BASE's water office can tell you:
- Whether your home has a lead service line
- What water quality testing shows
- Whether replacement programs are available
- How to request a free or discounted water test
If you have young children or are pregnant, the CDC recommends considering a water test regardless of your service line material. Your pediatrician can also advise on next steps based on your household's risk.
Next steps for residents
- Call or email DOVER AIR FORCE BASE water system to ask: "Do I have a lead service line?" and "What is your timeline for completing the lead service line inventory?"
- Request a water quality test from the utility (many offer these at low or no cost)
- Use cold water only for drinking and cooking until you know your status—flushing the tap for 30 seconds before use can help reduce any lead present
- Learn more from the EPA's consumer guide on lead in drinking water
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 DOVER AIR FORCE BASE water system—they maintain records of service line materials. You can also look at the pipe where it enters your home; lead is soft, dull gray, and can be scratched with a coin. A water test will also reveal if lead is present in your water.
Is lead in water dangerous?
Lead exposure can harm brain development in young children and cause other health problems at any age. Talk to your pediatrician about testing if you have children, and contact the CDC for guidance on health risks.
Can I remove lead from my tap water myself?
Boiling water does not remove lead. Certified water filters can reduce lead if used and maintained correctly. Your water utility can recommend tested options, or visit NSF International for a list of certified products.
Who pays to replace a lead service line?
Costs vary by utility and location. Some water systems cover the full cost; others split it with homeowners. Contact DOVER AIR FORCE BASE to ask about their replacement program and any financial assistance available.