Lead Service Lines in Your Portland Water District-Greater Water
Portland Water District-Greater serves about 135,000 people across Maine. If you're concerned about lead in your home's water, here's what you need to know about the utility's lead service line inventory and what that means for you.
What is a lead service line?
A lead service line is the pipe that connects your home to the public water main buried under the street. If your home was built before the 1980s, there's a possibility your service line contains lead. Lead can leach into drinking water, especially if water sits in the pipes or if water is corrosive.
What does Portland Water District-Greater's inventory show?
The utility has not yet completed a full lead service line inventory. This is not unusual—many water systems across the country are still in the early stages of mapping their lead pipes, especially in older areas. Without a completed inventory, we don't have confirmed numbers on how many lead service lines exist in your area.
Why does this matter?
Identifying lead service lines is the first step toward protecting public health. Once a utility knows where lead pipes are, they can prioritize replacements and inform residents so they can take protective steps like using filters or letting water run before drinking it.
What should you do?
Contact your utility directly. Ask Portland Water District-Greater about:
- Their timeline for completing a lead service line inventory
- Whether they have any information about your specific address
- What water quality testing they recommend
- Whether your home qualifies for any replacement assistance programs
You can also request a free or low-cost water test from your local health department to check for lead in your tap water right now—you don't have to wait for the inventory.
If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your pediatrician or doctor about lead exposure risks. The CDC also has guidance on protecting your family from lead in drinking water.
Next steps for residents
- Contact Portland Water District-Greater to ask about your address and their inventory timeline
- Request a water test from your utility or local health department
- If lead is found, ask about replacement funding or filter options
- Consult your pediatrician if you have health concerns about lead exposure
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Portland Water District-Greater have lead service lines?
The utility has not completed a full inventory yet, so confirmed numbers are not available. Homes built before the 1980s in the service area may have lead pipes. Contact the utility to ask about your specific address.
How do I know if my home has a lead service line?
You can contact Portland Water District-Greater and ask if they have records for your address. A water test can also reveal lead levels in your tap water. Some utilities offer free or low-cost testing.
Is it safe to drink water from a lead service line?
Lead can leach into water, especially if water sits in pipes. Running water for 30 seconds before drinking, using a certified filter, or requesting a water test are ways to reduce risk. Talk to your doctor if you're pregnant or have young children.
How much does it cost to replace a lead service line?
Replacement costs vary. Contact Portland Water District-Greater about any state or federal funding programs they may offer to help cover replacement expenses in your area.