Lead Service Lines in Laredo, Texas
What you need to know
The City of Laredo provides water to about 260,000 people across the city. Like many water systems built in the early-to-mid 1900s, Laredo's pipes may include lead service lines — the pipes that connect your home to the main water line under the street.
Lead can leach into drinking water, especially in homes with older plumbing. If you're concerned about lead in your water, testing is the most direct way to know your home's status.
Current inventory status
As of now, the City of Laredo has not yet completed a full public inventory of its lead service lines. This doesn't mean your home has lead — it means the utility is still in the process of identifying which properties are at higher risk.
The EPA requires all water systems to complete lead service line inventories by October 2024. Contact Laredo's water utility directly to ask about their timeline and whether your specific address has been surveyed.
What to do if you're worried about lead
Get your water tested. A simple test can tell you whether lead is in your drinking water right now. Contact the City of Laredo's water department to ask about free or low-cost testing programs — many utilities offer them.
Know your home's age. Homes built before 1980 are more likely to have lead service lines, but homes from the 1980s and 1990s can too. If you know your house was built after 2000, your risk is lower (though not zero).
Use a filter if you test positive. NSF-certified filters labeled for lead reduction work and are affordable. Boiling water does not remove lead.
If you have young children and are concerned about lead exposure, talk to your pediatrician or contact the CDC's lead information line.
Next steps for residents
- Contact the City of Laredo Water Utilities: Ask for their lead service line inventory status and whether your address has been assessed.
- Request a free water test through the utility or a local health department.
- Check your home's age (county records or a home inspector can help) to estimate your risk level.
- Visit the EPA's lead page for more on testing, filters, and health information.
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 I have a lead service line?
The most reliable way is to contact your water utility — they're building inventories now. You can also hire a plumber to inspect your service line, or use a magnet test on visible pipes (lead is not magnetic). Water testing tells you if lead is actually in your water.
Is Laredo's water safe to drink?
The only way to know if lead is in your home's water is to test it. Water quality depends on your specific pipes and plumbing, not just the utility's source. Ask the City of Laredo about free testing.
Can I remove lead from my water myself?
Yes, NSF-certified filters designed for lead removal work well and are inexpensive. Boiling does not remove lead. If you test positive, a filter is a fast option while you explore longer-term solutions like line replacement.
Is my child at risk from lead in water?
Young children are more vulnerable to lead's effects on development. If you're concerned, test your water and talk to your pediatrician. The CDC has resources on lead exposure and children's health.