Lead Service Lines in Western Virginia Water Authority
Western Virginia Water Authority serves approximately 182,700 people across the region. Like all US water systems, the utility is required by the EPA to identify and track lead service lines—the pipes that connect homes to the main water lines.
What we know right now
As of our last update, Western Virginia Water Authority has not yet published a completed lead service line inventory. This doesn't mean there are no lead lines in the system; it means the utility is still in the process of identifying them.
Lead service lines are a concern because water can pick up lead as it travels through these older pipes, especially in homes built before the 1980s. The EPA has set aggressive deadlines for utilities to complete their inventories and develop replacement plans.
What the utility is required to do
Federal law requires Western Virginia Water Authority to:
- Complete a full inventory of all service lines and identify which are made of lead
- Develop a plan to replace lead service lines over time
- Provide results to customers and report to regulators
- Offer testing and corrosion control treatment while replacements happen
The utility should have information about their timeline and progress. You can contact them directly for the most current status.
What you can do now
Even without a full inventory, you can take steps to protect your family:
Test your water if your home was built before 1986 or you're unsure about your service line material. Contact your water utility about free or low-cost testing.
Use filtered water for drinking and cooking while waiting for results or replacements. Filters certified to reduce lead are widely available.
Flush your taps before drinking, especially if water has sat in pipes overnight. Run cold water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes until it's noticeably colder.
If you have questions about lead and health, especially for young children, talk to your pediatrician or contact the CDC's lead hotline.
Next steps for residents
- Contact Western Virginia Water Authority directly to ask about their lead service line inventory status and testing options.
- Request a free or reduced-cost water test from your utility or a certified lab.
- Check your home's age and pipes — older homes are at higher risk of having lead service lines.
- Visit the EPA's lead in drinking water resource for current guidance on testing and treatment.
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Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Western Virginia Water Authority have lead in the water?
The utility has not yet completed its lead service line inventory, so a full answer isn't available yet. Lead in drinking water usually comes from lead service lines or home plumbing, not the source water itself. Contact the utility to ask about their testing results and replacement timeline.
How do I know if my home has a lead service line?
If your home was built before the 1980s, there's a higher chance. You can ask your water utility, hire a plumber to inspect the pipe where it enters your home, or request a water test. The utility should be able to tell you based on their inventory records.
Is it safe to drink tap water from Western Virginia Water Authority?
Most tap water is safe, but lead is a concern in older homes with lead service lines or plumbing. The best approach is to test your water if you're worried, use a certified lead-reducing filter, and flush taps before drinking—especially for young children and pregnant people.
When will Western Virginia Water Authority replace lead service lines?
The utility is required to develop and share a replacement plan, but timelines vary. Contact them directly to ask when they expect to start replacements in your neighborhood and whether you qualify for any assistance programs.