ATLANTA Lead Service Line Inventory
What you need to know
Atlanta serves about 1.09 million people. Like many older US water systems, Atlanta may have lead service lines—the pipes that connect the water main to homes built before the 1980s. Lead service lines are the single largest source of lead in drinking water for most households that have them.
Right now, Atlanta has not yet completed a full inventory of its lead service lines. This is not unusual; the EPA requires all water systems to finish their inventories by October 2024. Once complete, the city will have a clearer picture of how many homes may be affected and can prioritize replacement efforts.
What this means for you
If your home was built before 1990 and is connected to Atlanta's water system, your property may have a lead service line—but you won't know without an inventory or a test. Lead in drinking water typically causes no immediate symptoms, but long-term exposure is a public health concern, especially for young children and pregnant people.
You can take action today:
- Check whether your home has a lead service line by contacting Atlanta's water utility.
- Consider having your water tested for lead (cost: typically $15–$30).
- Use a certified lead test kit from a hardware store, or ask the city for a list of certified labs.
Funding for replacement
The federal government has allocated significant funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help water systems replace lead service lines over the next decade. Atlanta should be eligible for grants and low-interest loans, though details on the city's replacement plan and timeline are still being finalized.
Next steps for residents
- Contact Atlanta Water to ask about your property's inventory status and whether your address has a known or suspected lead service line.
- Get your water tested if you're concerned. A simple test can confirm whether lead is present in your home's water.
- Check the CDC website for guidance on reducing lead exposure while you wait for system-wide improvements.
- Ask the utility about replacement programs if you do have a lead service line—you may be eligible for assistance.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Atlanta water have lead?
Atlanta's water source itself does not contain lead in dangerous amounts. However, lead service lines—pipes at individual homes—can leach lead into drinking water. Atlanta is still completing its inventory to identify which homes may have these pipes.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Contact Atlanta Water directly with your address. If your home was built before 1990, you should ask specifically whether your property is on the lead inventory or has a suspected lead service line.
Can I get my water tested for lead in Atlanta?
Yes. You can order a certified lead test kit from a hardware store or contact Atlanta Water for a list of certified laboratories in your area. Testing typically costs $15–$30.
Will Atlanta replace my lead service line for free?
Atlanta has not yet released detailed information about its replacement program. Once the city's plan is public, contact the utility to learn about eligibility, costs, and timelines for lead line replacement.