ASHEVILLE CITY OF Water System Lead Service Line Inventory
Asheville City of serves 157,431 people in North Carolina. Like most US water systems, it uses lead service lines in some older neighborhoods—pipes that connect the public water main to individual homes.
What we know about Asheville's lead service lines
The utility has not yet completed a full inventory of its lead service lines. This means the exact number of homes served by lead pipes is still unknown. An inventory is required by the EPA's Lead and Copper Rule, and utilities across the country are working to finish theirs over the coming years.
Until an inventory is complete, you won't know for certain whether your home has a lead service line just by looking at a public list. Your home's age, location, and the year your neighborhood's pipes were installed all affect the risk.
What you can do now
Test your water. Lead in drinking water comes from corroded pipes—and corrosion varies widely. A simple water test (available free or low-cost from Asheville City of) is the fastest way to know if lead is reaching your tap right now.
Ask your utility directly. Contact Asheville City of and ask whether your specific street or address is served by lead service lines. They may have partial records even if the full inventory isn't public yet. This is often faster than waiting for the official inventory.
Consider a point-of-use filter if you're concerned and waiting for answers. NSF-certified filters marked for lead removal work at the tap.
If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your pediatrician or OB-GYN about lead exposure and testing. The CDC has information on health effects at cdc.gov/nceh/lead.
Next steps for residents
- Contact Asheville City of to ask if your address has a known or suspected lead service line
- Request a free or subsidized water test from the utility
- Check the EPA's Lead and Copper Rule page for more context on nationwide timelines
- If you find lead in your water, ask the utility about replacement programs or financial 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 Asheville have lead pipes?
Asheville City of has not yet completed a full inventory of its lead service lines, so the exact number is unknown. Many older water systems have lead pipes in some areas. Contact the utility directly about your address.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line in Asheville?
The best ways are: call Asheville City of and ask about your specific address, test your water for lead, or look at your home's construction year and location. Homes built before 1986 in certain areas are more likely to have lead pipes.
Is lead in Asheville tap water dangerous?
Lead in water is a health concern, especially for young children and pregnant people. A water test tells you if lead is actually reaching your tap. Talk to your doctor about any health concerns; the CDC has resources at cdc.gov/nceh/lead.
How can I remove lead from my water in Asheville?
NSF-certified filters rated for lead removal work at the tap. For a permanent solution, the utility may offer lead service line replacement programs. Contact Asheville City of to ask about your options and any available financial assistance.