ARTESIAN SOUTHERN SUSSEX REGIONAL
Artesian Southern Sussex Regional serves approximately 18,215 people in Delaware. If you live in their service area, this page explains what we know about lead service lines (LSLs)—pipes that may connect your home to the water main.
What we know about this water system
Artesian Southern Sussex Regional draws water from groundwater sources. The utility has not yet completed a public inventory of lead service lines in its system, which means there is no official count of how many homes may have lead pipes.
This does not mean there are no lead service lines. Many water systems across the country are still building their inventories—a process that can take years. Until an inventory is complete and public, it's impossible to know the full picture for any neighborhood.
What you should do now
Get your water tested. The most direct way to know if lead is reaching your tap is a free or low-cost water test. Lead can come from pipes, solder, or brass fixtures in your home's plumbing. Testing shows the real situation in your house.
Contact your local health department or Artesian Southern Sussex Regional directly to ask about free or subsidized testing programs. Many states offer this service.
Ask your utility for inventory status. Reach out to Artesian Southern Sussex Regional and ask:
- Do they have a timeline for completing a lead service line inventory?
- Are there known LSLs in your neighborhood?
- What is their plan for replacing lead pipes?
Know the basics. Lead exposure is a real health concern, especially for young children and pregnant people. But simple steps—like running your tap before drinking, using cold water for cooking, and regular hand-washing—reduce risk. If you have young children or are pregnant, speak with a pediatrician or your doctor about your specific situation.
Additional resources
- CDC guidance on lead in drinking water: cdc.gov/lead
- EPA's lead and copper rule: epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water
- Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control: dnrec.delaware.gov
Next steps for residents
- Contact Artesian Southern Sussex Regional to request a free water test or ask about their lead service line inventory timeline.
- If you have young children or are pregnant, discuss water safety with your pediatrician or doctor.
- Learn more about lead in your home's plumbing from the EPA's consumer guides.
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Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Artesian Southern Sussex Regional have lead service lines?
The utility has not yet completed a public inventory, so the exact number is unknown. Lead service lines may be present in older neighborhoods, but without an official inventory, residents cannot know for certain without testing their own water.
How can I tell if my home has a lead service line?
The only way to know for sure is to test your water or have a plumber inspect the pipe between your meter and the street. You can also contact Artesian Southern Sussex Regional to ask if lead is known in your area.
Is it safe to drink the water from Artesian Southern Sussex Regional?
The utility is required to meet federal drinking water standards, but lead can enter water through old pipes in homes and service lines. Testing your tap water is the best way to know your actual exposure.
What should I do if I'm worried about lead in my water?
Request a free water test from your utility or local health department, use cold water for drinking and cooking, run your tap before use, and talk to your doctor if you have young children or are pregnant.