Lead Service Lines in N A S OCEANA's Water System
N A S OCEANA serves about 7,300 people in Virginia. Like all U.S. water systems, it is required by federal law to identify and inventory lead service lines—the pipes that connect homes to the public water main.
What we know about N A S OCEANA's lead pipes
N A S OCEANA has not yet completed or publicly reported a lead service line inventory. This does not mean there are no lead lines in the system; it means the utility is still in the process of locating and documenting them.
The utility has not reported whether it has identified any lead service lines, galvanized steel pipes (which can corrode and release lead), or pipes made of other materials.
Why this matters
Lead service lines are the most common source of lead in drinking water. Even small amounts of lead exposure over time can affect children's development and learning. If your home was built before 1986—especially before the 1970s—there is a higher chance your service line contains lead.
What N A S OCEANA should be doing
Federal law requires water utilities to:
- Complete an inventory of all service lines and identify which ones contain lead or are likely to contain lead
- Share this inventory with customers
- Develop and publish a plan to replace lead service lines
Contact N A S OCEANA directly to ask about the status of their inventory and whether your specific address has been assessed.
Protect your family in the meantime
Until you know your service line material, assume it could contain lead. Run cold water for 30 seconds before using it for drinking or cooking—this flushes water that sat in pipes overnight. If you have young children or are pregnant, consider using bottled water for drinking and cooking until you can have your line tested or replaced.
For health concerns, contact your pediatrician or the CDC.
Next steps for residents
- Contact your utility at N A S OCEANA to ask: "What is the material of my service line?" and "When will you finish your lead inventory?"
- Request a water test through your utility or a certified lab to check for lead in your home's tap water
- Flush your water before drinking or cooking, especially after the water has sat in pipes for hours
- Visit the Virginia Department of Health or EPA's lead website for more information on testing and remediation
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does N A S OCEANA have lead in the water?
N A S OCEANA has not yet completed its lead service line inventory, so it's unclear how many lead pipes exist in the system. Lead is most likely to come from old service lines that connect homes to the main. Contact the utility to ask about your address specifically.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
The best way is to ask your water utility or hire a plumber to inspect the line where it enters your home. It will look dull gray and is soft enough that a pointed tool can scratch it. Your utility should also be able to tell you based on their records.
Is it safe to drink water from a lead service line?
It depends on how much lead is in the water, which varies by home and water chemistry. Running your water for 30 seconds before drinking flushes out water that sat in the pipe and reduces exposure. For health concerns, talk to your doctor or pediatrician.
When will N A S OCEANA replace lead pipes?
The utility is required to have a replacement plan, but the timeline depends on funding and the number of lines to replace. Contact N A S OCEANA directly to ask about their schedule and whether your address is prioritized.