GREENSBORO, CITY OF — Lead Service Line Inventory
Greensboro's water system serves approximately 319,588 residents across the city. Like many utilities nationwide, Greensboro is required under federal law to identify and report on lead service lines—pipes that connect the public water main to homes and buildings.
What we know about Greensboro's lead service lines
The city has not yet completed a public inventory of lead service lines. This does not mean there are no lead lines in the system; it means the survey and documentation process is still underway or results have not been made publicly available yet.
Lead service lines are a particular concern because they can leach lead into drinking water, especially in homes with older plumbing or when water is corrosive. Greensboro draws water from surface sources, which may affect how aggressively lead leaches into the supply.
Why this matters for your home
If your house was built before the 1980s—and especially before 1950—there is a meaningful chance your service line contains lead. Even newer homes can have galvanized steel lines that may corrode over time. The only way to know for certain is to have your specific line tested or replaced.
What you can do right now
Contact the City of Greensboro to:
- Ask whether your address is on a lead service line
- Request information about any available testing or replacement programs
- Find out when the full inventory will be public
Test your water at the tap. The EPA recommends having your drinking water tested by a certified lab, especially if you have young children or are pregnant. You can find certified labs through the North Carolina Division of Water Resources.
Use a water filter (NSF-certified for lead reduction) as a temporary measure while you investigate your service line.
Check for lead in other sources, including paint, dust, and soil around your home—lead service lines are one pathway, but not the only one.
Next steps for residents
- Contact Greensboro Public Utilities to ask your service line status
- Get your water tested if you're concerned about lead
- If you have young children, consult your pediatrician about lead exposure risk
- Ask your utility about lead line replacement programs or rebates
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
How do I know if I have a lead service line?
Contact your water utility directly—they have records of service lines by address. Alternatively, a licensed plumber can inspect your line. Testing the water itself is useful but doesn't directly confirm a lead line.
Is it safe to drink water from a lead service line?
Lead can leach into water, especially from older lines or in corrosive water conditions. The risk varies. Use a certified water filter, run cold water before drinking, and contact your pediatrician if young children drink the water.
What should I do if I think I have a lead service line?
First, contact your utility to confirm. Then consider replacing the line (or at least the portion on your property) and installing a point-of-use water filter as an interim step.
Does Greensboro have a lead line replacement program?
Contact the City of Greensboro directly to ask about rebates, grants, or assistance programs. Federal funding is available in some areas to help offset replacement costs.