FAIRFAX COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY Lead Service Line Inventory
About this water system
Fairfax County Water Authority serves approximately 1.1 million people in Virginia. The utility draws from surface water sources.
Lead service line inventory status
As of now, Fairfax County Water Authority has not yet completed or published a public lead service line inventory. This means the utility is still in the process of identifying which homes and buildings are connected to the water main through lead service lines—the pipes that run from the street to individual properties.
This is not unusual. The federal government required all water utilities to start inventorying lead service lines by October 2024, with final inventories due by October 2027. Many large systems are still gathering data.
What this means for your home
You cannot currently check whether your property has a lead service line using the utility's public records. Your options:
Contact the utility directly. Call or email Fairfax County Water Authority and ask about your specific address. They may have records on file even if a public inventory isn't yet published.
Check your property documents. Older homes (built before the 1980s) are more likely to have lead service lines. Your home inspection report, property deed, or plumbing records might mention pipe materials.
Request a water test. Even if your service line isn't lead, corrosion inside your home's plumbing can release lead into tap water. A certified lab test of your tap water is the most direct way to know if lead is present.
Replacing a lead service line
If you discover your home has a lead service line, replacement is the only permanent solution. This usually costs $3,000–$25,000 depending on sidewalk conditions, soil type, and line length. Some utilities and state programs offer cost-sharing. The utility can tell you what programs may be available in your area.
Next steps for residents
- Contact Fairfax County Water Authority to ask if they have lead service line records for your address, even if not yet publicly posted.
- Request a water test from a certified lab if you're concerned about lead in your tap water.
- Check your home's age and plumbing records to estimate the likelihood of a lead service line.
- Ask the utility about replacement programs or financial assistance if a lead line is confirmed.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
The most direct way is to contact Fairfax County Water Authority with your address—they may have records even if not yet publicly available. You can also check your home inspection report or deed. If your home was built before the 1980s, risk is higher.
Is lead in water dangerous?
Lead has no safe level of exposure, especially for children and pregnant people. For health guidance, speak with your pediatrician or visit the CDC website.
Can I remove lead from my tap water myself?
Certain filters (NSF-certified for lead reduction) can reduce lead in drinking water, but they don't fix a lead service line. Replacement is the only permanent solution.
How much does it cost to replace a lead service line?
Replacement typically costs $3,000–$25,000 depending on your property and soil conditions. Ask the water utility about local cost-sharing or assistance programs.