ARLINGTON COUNTY Lead Service Line Inventory
About This Water System
Arlington County Water Supply serves approximately 215,000 residents across Arlington County, Virginia. The utility draws water from surface sources.
What You Need to Know About Lead Service Lines
A lead service line is the pipe that carries water from the street main into your home. If your home was built before the 1980s, there's a meaningful chance your service line contains lead — especially if you live in an older neighborhood.
Lead in drinking water is a real health concern. When water sits in lead pipes overnight or for hours, lead particles can dissolve into it. Even "low" levels of lead exposure over time can affect children's brain development and learning. Pregnant women and young children face the highest risk.
The good news: lead in water is almost entirely preventable through the right filtration or by replacing the line itself.
Arlington County's Inventory Status
As of our last check, Arlington County had not yet inventoried or publicly reported the number of lead service lines in its system. This doesn't mean the problem doesn't exist — it means the data isn't available yet.
Under the federal Lead and Copper Rule Revision, water utilities must identify and map all lead service lines by October 2024 (with some flexibility for compliance). Your utility may be working on this inventory now or may have results coming soon.
What You Can Do Right Now
Contact your water utility directly. Ask them:
- Whether your specific address has a lead service line
- If they have a map or inventory available
- What water quality testing they perform
- Whether they offer free or subsidized testing at your tap
You can also request your utility's latest water quality report (called a Consumer Confidence Report), which includes lead test results.
Test your water. A simple tap water test costs $20–50 and tells you whether lead is present at your fixture. Your local health department or Virginia Department of Health may offer free or low-cost testing.
Use filters if needed. NSF-certified filters (look for NSF/ANSI 53) remove lead. They're inexpensive and work immediately while you pursue longer-term solutions.
Next Steps for Residents
- Call Arlington County Water Supply and ask if your address is on a lead service line and request a water test
- Have your water tested if you're concerned (especially if you have young children)
- Request your utility's most recent Consumer Confidence Report
- If lead is detected, discuss replacement or certified filtration options with your utility
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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 Arlington County have lead in the water?
Some homes may have lead service lines that can leach lead into drinking water. Arlington County has not yet published a complete inventory of lead service lines. Contact the utility directly to find out if your address is affected.
How do I know if I have a lead service line?
Your water utility can tell you if your property has a lead service line on record. You can also look at the pipe where it enters your home—lead is soft, dull gray, and scratches easily with a coin. A water test is the best way to know if lead is actually in your drinking water.
Is lead in tap water dangerous for my kids?
Yes, lead exposure can affect children's brain development and learning, even at low levels. There's no safe level for children. Contact your pediatrician or the CDC for guidance on testing and protection if you're concerned.
What should I do if my water tests positive for lead?
Contact Arlington County Water Supply to discuss treatment options, including certified filters or line replacement programs. Use only cold tap water for drinking and cooking until you address the issue, and flush your pipes before use.