City of Houston Lead Service Line Inventory

What you need to know

The City of Houston serves nearly 3 million people. Like most large US water systems, Houston uses a mix of pipe materials to deliver water—some old, some new. Lead service lines (the pipes that connect the water main to your home) are a concern because lead can leach into drinking water, especially in older homes or when water sits in pipes.

Houston's current status: The utility has not yet published a complete lead service line inventory. This means we don't have public data on how many lead lines exist in the system or which neighborhoods are most affected.

Why this matters

Lead exposure can affect anyone, but children under 6 and pregnant people face the highest health risks. Even small amounts matter. The EPA and CDC recommend action if lead levels exceed 15 parts per billion in your tap water.

If your home was built before 1986, there's a higher statistical chance your service line contains lead, though many older homes have copper or galvanized steel instead.

What Houston is doing

All US water utilities are required by federal law to maintain lead service line inventories. Houston, like many large systems, is working toward compliance. The timeline and funding details are not yet public on this system's website.

You can contact Houston Water to:

• Ask if your specific address has a known lead service line
• Request information about your water's lead testing results
• Ask about the utility's timeline for completing the inventory

What you can do now

Even without knowing your service line material, you can reduce lead exposure:

• Get your water tested — Houston Water offers free lead testing kits. Call or visit their website to request one.
• Run the tap — Let water run for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking or cooking if the tap hasn't been used for several hours.
• Use cold water — Hot water leaches lead faster. Cook and drink from the cold tap.
• Know your home's age — Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead lines.

If test results show elevated lead, contact Houston Water about replacement options and potential assistance programs.

Next steps for residents

• Contact Houston Water directly at their customer service line to ask about your address and request a free lead test
• Get your water tested if you haven't already, especially if you have young children
• Check your home's age — if pre-1986, take extra precautions like flushing taps and using cold water for drinking and cooking
• Visit the CDC's lead in water page for health information and additional resources

```json [ { "q": "Does Houston have lead in the water?", "a": "Houston Water hasn't published a complete inventory of lead service lines yet, so we don't have a full picture. Lead can enter water through old pipes, not the water supply itself. A free test kit from Houston Water will show if lead is in your tap water." }, { "q": "How do I know if my house has a lead service line?", "a": "Contact Houston Water with your address—they can check their records. Homes built before 1986 are statistically more likely to have lead lines. Even then, many have copper or steel instead. A water test will show if lead is actually reaching your tap." }, { "q": "Is Houston water safe to drink?", "a": "Houston Water tests and treats water for safety. However, lead can enter your water through old pipes in your home or between the main and your house. A free lead test from the utility will give you a clear answer for your specific tap." }, { "q": "What should I do if my water tests positive for lead?", "a": "Contact Houston Water immediately to discuss your results and ask about service line replacement programs or financial assistance. In the meantime, flush taps before drinking, use cold water for drinking and cooking, and talk to your doctor about the test results—especially if children