WINSTON-SALEM, CITY OF — Lead Service Line Inventory
Winston-Salem's water system serves approximately 388,060 people across North Carolina. The city draws its water from surface sources.
About Lead Service Lines
A lead service line is the pipe that connects your home to the public water main underground. If your home was built before 1986—especially before the 1970s—your service line may be made of lead. Lead can leach into drinking water, particularly if water sits in pipes overnight or if the water is corrosive.
Not every old home has a lead service line; some have copper, galvanized steel, or other materials. The only way to know for sure is to have your line checked.
What We Know About Winston-Salem
The City of Winston-Salem has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines in its system. This means the total number of lead, galvanized, or unknown service lines serving the city is not yet publicly available.
This does not mean there is no risk—it means the utility is still in the process of identifying which homes may be affected. Many water systems nationwide are working through this inventory process, which can take several years depending on system size and available resources.
What You Can Do Now
Test your water. If you're concerned about lead, you can request a free or low-cost water test through your local health department or contact the city's water utility directly.
Check your home's age and records. If your home was built before 1986, ask your water utility whether your service line is known to be lead, copper, or unknown. Provide your address and account number.
Reduce exposure while you wait. If you suspect a lead service line, run cold tap water for 30 seconds before using it for drinking or cooking. Use cold water for drinking and cooking (hot water dissolves lead faster). If you have young children or pregnant household members, talk to your pediatrician or doctor about testing.
Next Steps for Residents
- Contact the City of Winston-Salem water utility to ask about your specific service line material and request a test if you're concerned.
- Have your water tested if you live in a pre-1986 home or want peace of mind.
- Ask your utility about the timeline for completing the lead service line inventory.
- Visit the EPA's lead page (epa.gov/lead) for more information on health effects and mitigation.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Winston-Salem have lead in the water?
Winston-Salem's water system is still completing its lead service line inventory, so a full count is not yet available. Lead in drinking water most often comes from old service lines or household plumbing, not the water source itself. Contact the city's water utility to find out if your home's service line is lead.
How do I know if my service line is lead?
The only sure way is to contact your water utility with your address and ask them to check their records—or hire a licensed plumber to inspect your line. You can also do a simple magnet test on exposed pipes in your basement: a magnet won't stick to lead, but will stick to steel.
Is lead service line water safe to drink?
Lead can leach into water, especially if water sits in pipes or the water is corrosive. There is no safe level of lead for children. If you suspect a lead service line, run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking, and ask your water utility or doctor about testing.
How much does it cost to replace a lead service line?
Costs vary widely by location and line length, typically $3,000–$25,000 for a full replacement. Ask your water utility if they offer cost-sharing programs, rebates, or low-interest loans. Some utilities are using federal funding to help pay for replacements.