Lead Service Lines in Austin, Texas
The City of Austin Water & Wastewater serves over 1.1 million people across the Austin area. If you're concerned about lead in your drinking water—whether because of old pipes in your home or recent news—this page explains what we know about lead service lines in your system.
What is a lead service line?
A lead service line is the underground pipe that connects the water main (the large pipe under the street) to your home. Many homes built before the 1980s have these pipes. Lead can leach into drinking water, especially in homes with acidic water or where pipes are disturbed during repairs.
What does Austin Water report?
Austin Water & Wastewater has not yet completed a public inventory of lead service lines in the system. This does not mean your home is safe or unsafe—it means the water utility is still in the process of locating and documenting these pipes across the service area.
The EPA requires all water systems to develop lead service line inventories and replacement plans. Austin is working toward compliance, but the current status of their inventory and any replacement timeline are not yet publicly available.
What should you do now?
Find out if your home has a lead service line. Contact Austin Water directly:
- Phone: (512) 974-2000
- Website: austintexas.gov/water
Ask them:
- Whether your property has a lead service line
- If they can test your water
- What steps you can take to reduce lead exposure at home
Test your water. If your home was built before 1980 and you're concerned, you can get your water tested through a certified lab. Austin Water can provide a list of certified testers.
Install a filter if needed. If a lead service line is present, a certified lead-reducing filter on your tap can help reduce exposure. NSF-certified filters are most reliable.
Health concerns
Lead exposure can be particularly harmful to young children and pregnant people. If you have health concerns, contact your doctor or the CDC's lead information line at (800) 232-4636.
Next steps for residents
- Contact Austin Water to learn whether your property has a lead service line
- Ask about water testing options available to you
- Request updates on their lead service line inventory timeline
- Consider point-of-use filtration if you suspect a lead line
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Austin have lead in the water?
Lead is not naturally in Austin's source water, but it can leach from lead service lines or old plumbing in individual homes. Whether you're at risk depends on your home's pipes, not the water system itself.
How do I know if my home has a lead service line?
Contact Austin Water at (512) 974-2000 or check austintexas.gov/water. Homes built before 1980 are more likely to have lead service lines. You can also ask a plumber to inspect your property.
Is it dangerous to have a lead service line?
Lead service lines pose a risk, especially for children under 6 and pregnant people. The risk is highest if water sits in pipes for hours or if pipes are recently disturbed. A water test and certified filter can help reduce exposure.
Will Austin replace my lead service line?
Austin Water has not yet published a public replacement program or timeline. Contact the utility directly to ask about their plans and whether any assistance programs are available.