Lead Service Lines in Wilmington, NC
About CFPUA-Wilmington's inventory
CFPUA-Wilmington serves roughly 198,740 people in the Wilmington area. The utility draws water from surface sources.
As of now, the utility has not yet inventoried its lead service lines (LSLs)—the pipes that may connect your home to the public water main. This is an important gap. Lead service lines are a known source of lead in drinking water, especially in homes built before 1986.
What does this mean for you?
If your home was built before the 1980s, there's a realistic chance your service line contains lead, even if you live in a newer part of town. Lead leaches into water sitting in pipes overnight or during low-flow periods. Children and pregnant people are at highest risk from even small exposures.
The good news: treatment and simple habits can reduce lead levels. The real solution is replacement—but that requires knowing which lines are lead first.
Your next step: Contact CFPUA-Wilmington directly to ask about the status of their service line inventory. Request information about your specific address. You can also have your water tested; the utility can advise on low-cost or free testing options.
What happens next
Federal law now requires all water systems to inventory lead service lines and develop replacement plans. CFPUA-Wilmington is still in the early stages. Utilities with Lead and Copper Rule Revisions compliance deadlines have incentives to move faster—though timelines vary.
If you're concerned about lead in your water now, don't wait for the inventory:
- Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking.
- Use only cold water for drinking and cooking (hot water pulls more lead from pipes).
- Ask the utility about their water quality testing program.
For health questions, consult the CDC's guidance on lead and drinking water or your pediatrician.
Next steps for residents
- Contact CFPUA-Wilmington and ask for the status of their lead service line inventory and replacement plan.
- Request a free water test from the utility to check for lead at your tap.
- Use the simple habits above (running water, using cold water) while you wait for system-wide improvements.
- Talk to your doctor if you have young children or are pregnant, and ask about lead exposure.
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 house has a lead service line?
You can't tell by looking. The only way to know is if your utility has inventoried it (Wilmington hasn't yet) or if you hire a plumber to inspect the line where it enters your home. Contact CFPUA-Wilmington to ask if they can check for you.
Is lead in my water dangerous?
Lead is a poison that harms the developing brain in children and the nervous system in adults, even in small amounts. No safe level has been established. Talk to your doctor about your risk, especially if you have young kids or are pregnant.
Can I remove lead from my tap water myself?
A pitcher filter, faucet filter, or under-sink water filter can reduce lead, but they need to be NSF/ANSI 53 certified and replaced regularly. These are temporary fixes; replacing the service line is the permanent solution.
Will my utility pay to replace my lead service line?
Funding and cost-sharing varies. Once CFPUA-Wilmington finalizes its replacement plan, ask if they offer assistance. Some utilities cover the public side of the line; you may pay for the private portion (from meter to your home).