SALEM PUBLIC WORKS Lead Service Line Inventory
Salem Public Works serves approximately 199,820 people in Oregon. The utility draws water from surface sources.
What is a lead service line?
A lead service line is the pipe that connects your home's water line to the public water main under the street. If your home was built before 1986, there's a meaningful chance your service line contains lead. Lead can leach into drinking water, especially if the water is corrosive or sits in pipes overnight.
Lead service line inventory status
As of now, Salem Public Works has not publicly inventoried its lead service lines. This means the utility has not yet systematically identified which homes are connected via lead pipes. Many utilities nationwide are in the same position—some have completed inventories, while others are still in early stages.
The EPA requires water systems to complete lead service line inventories by October 2024, with replacement plans to follow. Salem Public Works may be working toward this deadline.
Why this matters for your home
Without a completed inventory, you won't know from official records alone whether your home has a lead service line. However, you have other options:
- Contact Salem Public Works directly. Ask them about your specific property's service line material. Utilities sometimes have partial records, even if a full inventory isn't public yet.
- Check your home's age and construction records. Homes built before the mid-1980s are more likely to have lead service lines, though age alone is not definitive.
- Test your water. A simple water test can detect lead. Salem Public Works or your local health department can advise on free or low-cost testing.
Next steps for residents
- Contact Salem Public Works at their main line to ask about your service line and request information on testing programs.
- Request a water test if you have young children or are pregnant—these groups face higher risk from lead exposure.
- Visit the EPA's consumer page for guidance on reducing lead exposure while you await inventory results.
- Check back regularly for updates as the utility completes its inventory process.
---
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does my Salem home have a lead service line?
Salem Public Works has not yet completed a public lead service line inventory. Contact the utility directly with your address, or check your home's construction records if built before 1986. A water test can also confirm lead presence in your drinking water.
Is lead in Salem's water safe?
Lead leaches from service lines and household pipes, not from the treated water itself. A water test is the most reliable way to know if lead is present in your home's drinking water. Contact Salem Public Works for testing options.
When will Salem Public Works finish its lead inventory?
The EPA deadline for utilities to complete lead service line inventories is October 2024. Check Salem Public Works' website or call them for updates on their timeline and any replacement plans.
What should I do if my home has a lead service line?
Run cold water from the tap before drinking or cooking, and use a certified water filter. Contact Salem Public Works about replacement programs or rebates. For health concerns, talk to your pediatrician or local health department.