ARTESIAN NORTHERN KENT REGIONAL Water System Lead Service Line Inventory
What You Need to Know
ARTESIAN NORTHERN KENT REGIONAL serves approximately 7,014 people in Delaware. The utility draws water from groundwater sources.
Right now, this water system has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines in its distribution network. This means the utility hasn't yet documented how many homes are connected by lead pipes—or confirmed how many are lead-free.
Why This Matters
A lead service line is the pipe that carries water from the water main under the street into your home. Even when water is treated to prevent corrosion, lead from these pipes can dissolve into your drinking water over time. The only way to know if your home has a lead service line is through an inventory, which is required under federal law.
Delaware and federal agencies are working to ensure all utilities complete these inventories. Until ARTESIAN NORTHERN KENT REGIONAL finishes theirs, residents won't have a public record of which homes are at higher risk.
What You Can Do Now
Contact your water utility directly to ask:
- Does your home have a lead service line?
- When will the utility complete its lead service line inventory?
- What steps are they taking to reduce lead exposure in the meantime?
You can also request a water quality report (called a Consumer Confidence Report) from ARTESIAN NORTHERN KENT REGIONAL. This annual report includes information about lead testing and any detections.
If you're concerned about lead in your tap water, an affordable way to check is with a home test kit (available at hardware stores) or by sending a water sample to a certified lab. The EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791) can help you find testing resources in Delaware.
Next Steps for Residents
- Call your utility to ask about lead service line inventory status and your home's risk level
- Request a Consumer Confidence Report for your water system
- Consider water testing if you have young children, pregnant household members, or older adults
- Refer to the CDC for guidance on reducing lead exposure while waiting for utility action
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 most reliable way is to ask your water utility—they're required to inventory these pipes. You can also look at your water meter or where the service line enters your home; lead pipes are soft, dull gray, and can be marked with an X when scratched. A water test won't tell you if a lead service line is present, but it will show if lead is in your water.
Is lead in drinking water dangerous?
Lead is a neurotoxin with no safe level of exposure. It's especially harmful to young children and pregnant women. For health guidance specific to your situation, contact your pediatrician or the CDC at 1-800-CDC-INFO.
Why hasn't ARTESIAN NORTHERN KENT REGIONAL finished their lead inventory yet?
Many utilities across the country are still completing inventories because the work is complex and time-consuming. Federal law requires completion by set deadlines; contact your utility for their specific timeline.
What can I do to reduce lead exposure right now?
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking if water has sat in pipes overnight. Use only cold water for drinking and cooking (hot water leaches more lead). Consider a certified lead filter while you wait for your utility's inventory results.