CITY OF CHESAPEAKE - NORTHWEST RIVER SYS Lead Service Line Inventory
About this water system
The City of Chesapeake's Northwest River System serves approximately 165,240 people in Virginia. The system draws from surface water sources.
Lead service line inventory status
As of our last update, this water system has not yet completed a public lead service line inventory, or the data is not yet available in the LeadPipeLookup database. This doesn't mean there are no lead service lines in the system—it means the utility has not yet conducted or published a full count of them.
Under the federal Lead and Copper Rule, all water systems must identify and maintain an inventory of lead service lines. These are the pipes that connect water mains to individual homes and buildings. If you live in this service area, your home may have a lead service line even if the utility hasn't inventoried it yet.
What you should do now
Contact your water utility directly. Call the City of Chesapeake water department and ask:
- Does my address have a lead service line?
- What's the timeline for completing the inventory?
- Are there any interim steps I can take to reduce exposure (like flushing or using a pitcher filter)?
The utility may have information about your specific property even if a full inventory isn't public yet.
About lead in drinking water
Lead service lines are the most common source of lead in residential drinking water. Water can pick up lead as it travels through old pipes, especially in homes built before 1986 (when lead solder was phased out).
If you're concerned about lead exposure—especially if you have young children or are pregnant—talk to your pediatrician or contact the CDC's drinking water hotline at 1-866-WTR-ISAC (1-866-987-4722).
Next steps for residents
- Contact City of Chesapeake water department to ask about your property's service line status
- Have your water tested if the utility doesn't have inventory data yet; this is the only way to know if lead is present
- Learn about temporary measures like flushing and filtering while you wait for permanent solutions
- Check CDC resources on lead and health, especially for households with children under 6
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does the City of Chesapeake Northwest River System have lead service lines?
The system serves 165,240 people but has not yet published a complete lead service line inventory. Many older water systems have lead pipes, but you won't know if yours does without contacting the utility or testing your water.
How do I find out if my home has a lead service line?
Call the City of Chesapeake water department and give them your address. They should be able to tell you based on property records or the developing inventory. You can also have a licensed plumber inspect the pipe where it enters your home.
Is it safe to drink water from a lead service line?
Lead can leach into water, especially cold water sitting in pipes overnight. The only way to know if lead is actually in your water is to test it. You can order a test kit or contact your utility for testing options.
What should I do right now if I'm worried about lead?
Contact your water utility, have your water tested, and ask about temporary measures like flushing. If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your doctor or call the CDC at 1-866-987-4722.