LONG NECK WATER COMPANY Lead Service Line Inventory
Long Neck Water Company serves approximately 11,000 people in Delaware. Like all US water utilities, they are required by federal law to identify and publicly report lead service lines (LSLs)—the pipes that connect the main water line under the street to individual homes.
What we know about Long Neck's lead service lines
The utility has not yet submitted a complete lead service line inventory to the state. This means the number of lead, galvanized, or unknown service lines in their system is not currently available in public records. Inventories take time to compile—utilities must inspect or research records for thousands of connections, especially in older areas where service line material was never formally documented.
Why this matters for your home
If your house was built before the 1980s, there's a meaningful chance your service line contains lead, particularly in areas where lead pipes were common construction practice. Lead dissolves into water under certain conditions (acidic water, high water temperature, or stagnant water sitting in pipes). Even at low levels, lead exposure raises health concerns for young children and pregnant people.
You don't have to wait for your utility's official inventory to take steps. You can contact Long Neck Water Company directly to ask about your service line's material, or request a free or low-cost water test from your state health department.
Getting answers about your specific address
Your water utility keeps records on service line material—either from original installation documents or from recent field inspections. Call or email Long Neck Water Company and ask:
- What material is the service line at my address?
- When was it installed or last inspected?
- Do you have a map or record I can view?
If the utility can't confirm the material, assume the worst-case scenario and take protective steps: run water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking, use a certified lead filter if recommended, and test your water.
Next steps for residents
- Contact Long Neck Water Company to ask about your service line material and when their inventory will be public.
- Request a free water test through the Delaware Division of Public Health if you're concerned about lead levels in your tap water.
- If you have young children, talk to your pediatrician about lead exposure risks.
- Visit the CDC's lead in water resource page for information on reducing exposure while you await test results.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Long Neck Water Company have lead in its water?
Long Neck Water Company has not yet released a complete inventory of lead service lines. Lead in drinking water comes primarily from old pipes, not from the source water itself. A water test is the only way to know if lead is present at your specific home.
How do I find out if my house has a lead service line?
Call Long Neck Water Company and ask about the material of the service line at your address. If they can't confirm it, contact the Delaware Division of Public Health about a free water test, or hire a plumber to inspect the pipe where it enters your home.
Is lead service line water safe to drink?
Lead pipes can contaminate water, especially if the water is acidic or sits in pipes for hours. The CDC recommends testing your water and using a certified filter if lead is detected. Boiling water does not remove lead.
When will Long Neck Water Company finish their lead inventory?
The utility has not announced a completion date. Contact them directly to ask about their timeline, or check the Delaware Division of Public Health's website for updates on utility compliance.