VIRGINIA-AMERICAN WATER CO. Lead Service Line Inventory
What you need to know
VIRGINIA-AMERICAN WATER CO. serves about 30,317 people in Virginia. Like all water utilities in the US, it is required by federal law to create and maintain an inventory of lead service lines (the pipes that connect the water main to homes).
A lead service line is a health concern because lead can leach into drinking water, especially in homes with older plumbing or in areas with corrosive water. Even small amounts of lead exposure over time can be harmful.
Inventory status
This utility has not yet completed a public inventory of its lead service lines. The company has reported zero lines inventoried to date. This does not mean there are no lead service lines in the system—it means the inventory work is still in progress or has not begun.
Federal rules require all utilities to identify and map their lead service lines by October 2024, with plans in place to replace them by 2026. Your utility should have a timeline and plan available.
What this means for your home
If your home was built before 1986, or if you're unsure about your service line material, you should assume it could be lead. The only way to know for certain is to have it tested or to ask your water utility directly.
In the meantime:
- Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking if the water has been sitting in the pipes.
- Do not boil water to remove lead—boiling doesn't work.
- Consider using a pitcher filter or point-of-use filter certified for lead removal (look for NSF/ANSI Standard 53 certification).
If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your pediatrician or doctor about lead testing.
Next steps for residents
- Contact VIRGINIA-AMERICAN WATER CO. directly to ask about your home's service line material and when the full inventory will be public.
- Request a water test from your utility or a certified lab to check for lead levels in your tap water.
- Check the EPA's water testing guidance at epa.gov/lead for more information.
- Visit your state's drinking water program if you have concerns about your utility's compliance timeline.
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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 Virginia-American Water have lead service lines?
The utility has not yet publicly completed an inventory, so the exact number is unknown. However, homes built before 1986 in the service area could have lead service lines. Contact the utility to ask about your specific address.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Ask your water utility—they have records of service line materials by address. You can also hire a plumber to inspect the line where it enters your home. A magnet test on exposed pipes can help (lead is not magnetic), but a professional inspection is more reliable.
Is lead in water dangerous for kids?
Lead exposure can harm children's brain development and learning. If you're concerned about your child's exposure, talk to your pediatrician about testing. For health questions, contact the CDC or your local health department.
What can I do right now to reduce lead in my drinking water?
Let cold water run for 30 seconds before drinking, use cold water for drinking and cooking, and consider a pitcher or tap filter certified for lead removal. Boiling water does not remove lead.