WILMINGTON WATER DEPARTMENT Lead Service Line Inventory
Wilmington Water Department serves about 108,000 people in Delaware. If you live in their service area and want to know whether lead service lines pose a risk to your home's water, here's what you need to know.
What is a lead service line?
A lead service line is the pipe that connects the water main (the large pipe under the street) to your house. If your home was built or connected before the 1980s, there's a real possibility your service line contains lead. Lead can dissolve into drinking water, especially if the water is corrosive or sits in pipes for hours.
Even small amounts of lead in drinking water matter—there's no safe level for children.
What does Wilmington Water Department have on record?
Right now, Wilmington Water Department has not yet inventoried their service lines. That means they don't have a public count of how many lead, galvanized, or unknown service lines they manage.
Inventories take time and money. Many water systems across the US are still working through this process. The federal government has provided funding to help systems complete these inventories, and Wilmington Water Department may be working on one now.
How can you find out about your own service line?
Your best first step is to contact Wilmington Water Department directly. They can tell you:
- Whether they have information about your specific property
- Whether your line has been tested or replaced
- What your water system is doing to identify and replace lead lines
You can also hire a licensed plumber to inspect the service line on your property (the portion you own, from the meter into your house). A plumber can sometimes identify the material without digging it up.
If your line is lead
If you confirm your service line is lead, replacement is the only permanent solution. Short-term steps include:
- Using a certified water filter designed for lead (NSF/ANSI Standard 53)
- Letting cold water run for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking
- Using only cold water for drinking and cooking (hot water leaches more lead)
For concerns about your family's health, talk to your pediatrician or contact the CDC.
Next steps for residents
- Call Wilmington Water Department to ask about your service line and their inventory status
- If you own your home, get a plumber's assessment of your line material
- Use lead-reducing practices while you investigate further
- Share concerns with your water utility—demand helps drive replacement programs
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 your water utility first—they may have records. You can also hire a plumber to inspect the line on your property. The utility is responsible for the line under the street; you own the line from the meter into your house.
Is it dangerous to drink water from a lead service line?
Lead can leach into water from service lines, especially in homes with corrosive water or where water sits unused for hours. There's no safe level of lead for children. If you suspect lead, use a filter and contact your pediatrician.
Can I remove a lead service line myself?
No. Service line replacement requires permits, professional contractors, and coordination with your water utility. Contact your water department to learn about replacement programs or assistance.
Why doesn't my water utility have a lead service line inventory yet?
Inventories are time-consuming and expensive. Federal funding has been made available to help, but many systems are still completing theirs. Contact your utility to ask about their timeline.