Lead Service Lines in Raleigh
What you need to know
The City of Raleigh water system serves approximately 640,000 people. Like many older cities across the US, Raleigh's water infrastructure includes pipes installed decades ago, some of which may be made of lead or contain lead-bearing materials.
A lead service line is the pipe that connects the water main (the large pipe under the street) to your home. If your home was built before the 1980s, there's a meaningful chance your service line contains lead. Lead can leach into your drinking water, especially if the water is corrosive or hasn't been sitting in the pipes for hours.
What Raleigh's inventory tells us
The City of Raleigh has not yet completed a comprehensive inventory of lead service lines in its system. This means the city does not yet have a full picture of how many lead service lines exist or where they are located. This is not unusual—many water systems across the country are still in the process of mapping their infrastructure, and federal deadlines for completion vary.
The lack of a completed inventory does not mean there is no lead in Raleigh's water system. It means the work to document and locate these lines is ongoing.
What you can do now
Check your home's age and pipes. If your house was built before 1986, request a service line inspection from a licensed plumber. They can often identify the material visually or with a magnet test (lead is non-magnetic).
Get your water tested. Raleigh can provide guidance on free or low-cost testing. A simple test tells you whether lead is present in your tap water at levels of concern.
Contact the City of Raleigh water utility directly for information about their lead service line replacement program, testing assistance, or the timeline for completing their inventory. They can also tell you whether your specific street or neighborhood has known lead pipes.
If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your pediatrician or OB-GYN about lead exposure risk. The CDC offers guidance on reducing lead in drinking water at home.
Next steps for residents
- Call the City of Raleigh water utility to ask about free or reduced-cost water testing
- Request a service line inspection from a licensed plumber if your home was built before 1986
- Ask your water utility about their lead service line replacement timeline and whether you qualify for assistance
- If testing shows elevated lead, consider using a point-of-use filter certified for lead removal while replacement work is planned
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 my water has lead in it?
The only way to know is to test your water. Contact the City of Raleigh water utility—they can direct you to free or low-cost testing services. A simple test takes a few days and costs little to nothing.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Raleigh?
Raleigh's water meets federal safety standards, but lead in old service lines or household plumbing is a risk in many older homes. Testing your specific tap water is the best way to know your situation.
When will Raleigh finish its lead pipe inventory?
Contact the City of Raleigh water utility directly for their timeline. Federal law requires water systems to complete inventories by specific deadlines, but completion dates vary.
Does my house have a lead service line?
If your home was built before 1986, there's a real possibility. A licensed plumber can inspect it visually or use a magnet test. You can also ask your water utility if they have information about your address.