Lead Service Lines in Herndon, Virginia
The town of Herndon serves about 24,601 residents. If you're a homeowner here concerned about lead in your water, this page explains what we know about the town's lead service line inventory and what you can do next.
What is a lead service line?
A lead service line is the pipe that connects your home to the town's main water line underground. If your home was built before the 1980s, there's a chance your service line contains lead—especially if you're in an older neighborhood. Lead can leach into drinking water, particularly from cold water taps and after water sits in pipes overnight.
What does Herndon's inventory show?
As of now, Herndon has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines in the town. This means the town is still in the early stages of identifying which homes may have lead lines. The town's water system is supplied by surface water sources.
This doesn't mean there's no lead in Herndon's system—it means the town hasn't finished the detailed survey work required by federal law. Most older water systems across the US are still completing these inventories.
What should you do right now?
Test your water. Contact the Herndon water utility directly and ask:
- Whether your address has a known lead service line
- How to get a free or low-cost water test
- What they recommend if you're concerned about lead exposure
The EPA recommends testing if your home was built before 1986 or if you have young children.
Use cold tap water for drinking and cooking. If you're concerned about lead, run the cold water tap for 30 seconds before filling a glass, and always use cold water for cooking and drinking (not hot water from the tap).
Check your pipes. If you can access your basement or crawl space, the service line entering your home may be visible. Lead pipes are dull gray and can be scratched with a coin to reveal bright metal underneath.
What's next for the town?
Herndon is required by the Lead and Copper Rule to develop a complete inventory and, if needed, a plan to replace lead service lines. Check back with the town's water department for updates on their timeline.
Next steps for residents
- Contact Herndon water utility to ask about your property's service line status and water testing options
- Test your water if your home was built before 1986 or you have young children in the home
- Use cold water for drinking and cooking; run the tap for 30 seconds first
- Call your doctor if you have health concerns about lead exposure, especially for young children
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Herndon have lead service lines?
Herndon has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines. The town is still in the process of identifying which homes may have lead lines. Contact the town's water utility to ask about your specific address.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Contact Herndon's water utility with your address. You can also check your basement or crawl space—lead pipes are dull gray and turn shiny when scratched. A plumber can also inspect for you.
Is lead in water dangerous?
Lead is a serious health concern, especially for young children and pregnant people. For health questions, talk to your doctor or the CDC. For water safety, contact your utility and consider testing your water if your home is older.
What should I do if I'm worried about lead in my water?
Test your water, use cold tap water for drinking and cooking, and run the tap for 30 seconds before filling a glass. Contact Herndon's water utility for testing options and information about your service line.