Lead Service Line Inventory for Richmond Utilities
What you need to know
Richmond Utilities serves about 35,640 people in Kentucky. Like most water systems across the US, they use a network of pipes to deliver water to homes—and some of those pipes may be made of lead.
A lead service line is the pipe that connects the main water line under the street to your home. If your service line is lead, water can pick up lead as it travels through it, especially if the water is corrosive or if the pipes are old and deteriorating.
Current inventory status
Richmond Utilities has not yet completed a full lead service line inventory. This means the utility does not yet have a public count of how many lead, galvanized, or other types of service lines exist in their system.
Under the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), all water systems must complete their inventories and develop replacement plans. Most systems have been working toward this requirement and may publish their findings over the coming months. Timelines vary by system size and complexity.
Why the delay matters: Without a completed inventory, you won't know from official utility records whether your home has a lead service line. This doesn't mean your water is unsafe right now—it means you may need to take independent steps to find out.
What you can do now
Test your water. Richmond Utilities should be able to tell you whether your home is likely to have a lead service line based on its age and location. Call them to ask. If it's possible, get a water test done. Home test kits are available online and through hardware stores, though a certified lab test is more reliable.
Check your home's age. Lead service lines were commonly installed before the 1980s. If your home was built or had plumbing work done before then, your risk is higher.
Reduce exposure in the meantime. If you're concerned, run cold water for 30 seconds before using it for drinking or cooking. Don't boil water—boiling does not remove lead. Use bottled water for young children and pregnant people if you're worried.
Next steps for residents
- Call Richmond Utilities (PWSID: KY0760370) to ask about the age of water infrastructure in your neighborhood and your home's likelihood of having a lead service line
- Request a free or low-cost water test from the utility or your county health department
- Visit the EPA's lead and copper page for current federal standards and testing guidance
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Richmond Utilities have lead in the water?
Richmond Utilities has not yet published a complete lead service line inventory, so there's no official count of lead pipes in the system. The best way to know if lead is present in your water is to get it tested through the utility or a certified lab.
How can I find out if my house has a lead service line?
Call Richmond Utilities and ask about the age and materials of the service line to your home. They may have records based on your address. You can also look at old permits or deeds if available, or hire a plumber to inspect it.
Is it safe to drink water from a lead service line?
Water traveling through lead pipes can absorb lead, which is a health concern especially for children and pregnant people. If you suspect a lead line, test your water and consider using bottled water for drinking and cooking until you know more.
When will Richmond Utilities finish their lead inventory?
The utility has not published a completion date. Contact them directly to ask about their timeline and whether your neighborhood has been surveyed yet.