Lead Service Lines in Durham, North Carolina
The City of Durham water system serves about 322,000 people. Like many older cities, Durham may have lead service lines—the pipes that connect homes to the public water main. Lead pipes are a concern because water sitting in them can pick up lead, which poses health risks especially to young children and pregnant people.
What we know about Durham's lead service lines
Durham's water system has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines. This means the city doesn't have a public count of how many lead pipes exist in its service area. This is not unusual—many water systems across the country are still building their inventories, and the federal government has required completion by 2024 for most utilities.
The absence of an inventory doesn't mean there are no lead lines. Older homes in Durham—especially those built before 1986—are more likely to have lead pipes. If your home was built in the 1970s or earlier, the risk is higher.
What you can do now
Get your water tested. The simplest step is to have your tap water tested for lead. Durham's water utility can tell you where to find affordable or free testing. Lead in water is colorless and tasteless, so you can't know if it's present without a test.
Ask your water utility about your property. Contact the City of Durham's water department and ask whether your address is on a lead service line. Even without a complete city inventory, they may have records about your specific property. You can also request that they test your home's tap water.
If you're concerned about your health, talk to your doctor or pediatrician, especially if you have young children or are pregnant. The CDC has guidance on lead exposure and what to watch for.
Ongoing efforts
Durham, like all water systems, is required to work toward replacing lead service lines and identifying them. Check back with the water utility or this page for updates as the inventory progresses.
Next steps for residents
- Contact the City of Durham water utility to ask if your address has a lead service line
- Request a free or low-cost tap water test
- If you have young children or are pregnant, discuss lead exposure concerns with your doctor
- Visit the EPA's lead in drinking water page for additional resources
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Durham water have lead in it?
Durham's tap water quality depends on your service line and home's plumbing. The only way to know if lead is present is to test your water. Contact Durham's water utility for free or low-cost testing.
How do I know if I have a lead service line?
Contact the City of Durham water department directly—they may have records of your property even if the full city inventory isn't public yet. Homes built before 1986 are at higher risk.
Is lead in water dangerous for kids?
Yes, lead exposure can affect children's development. If you're concerned about your family's health, talk to your pediatrician or contact the CDC for guidance on lead exposure and testing.
Will Durham replace my lead service line?
Durham is working to identify and replace lead lines as required by federal law. Contact the city's water utility for information about replacement programs or funding that may apply to your home.