Lead Service Lines in Bellingham
The City of Bellingham Water Division serves about 141,000 people in Whatcom County, Washington. Like many communities built before the 1980s, Bellingham may have homes connected to the water system via lead service lines—the pipes that run from the street main into your house.
What we know about Bellingham's lead service lines
The City of Bellingham has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines in its system. This means the utility does not yet have a comprehensive count of how many homes are connected via lead pipes, how many have been replaced, or how many contain galvanized steel (which can leach lead under certain water conditions).
This is not unusual. Many water systems across the country are still in the early stages of mapping their lead service lines, driven by new federal requirements under the Lead and Copper Rule.
What you should do now
If you live in Bellingham and are concerned about lead in your water:
1. Contact the City of Bellingham Water Division to ask: - Whether your home has a lead service line (they may have partial records) - Whether your water is corrosive (this affects how much lead dissolves into drinking water) - What testing options are available to you
2. Have your water tested if you're worried. The EPA recommends testing especially if you have a young child or pregnant household member. A simple test costs $20–$50 and takes a few weeks for results.
3. Use cold water for drinking and cooking. Hot water leaches more lead from pipes. If your tap has been unused for more than 6 hours, run it for 30 seconds before filling a glass.
4. Look for funding. When Bellingham completes its inventory and develops a replacement plan, federal funding may become available to help pay for lead line removal.
Why this matters
Lead exposure, especially in children, can affect brain development and learning. There is no safe level of lead in drinking water. Even if your water tests low today, it's worth staying informed as your utility progresses on its inventory work.
Next steps for residents
- Contact the City of Bellingham Water Division with questions about your specific address
- Request a free water test or use a certified lab
- Check back on this page periodically—as Bellingham completes its inventory, details will be updated
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 in Bellingham has a lead service line?
Contact the City of Bellingham Water Division—they may have records for your address. You can also hire a plumber to inspect the line where it enters your home, or request a water test, which can detect lead even if you're unsure about your pipes.
Is the water in Bellingham safe to drink?
Bellingham's water is treated and regularly tested. However, if your home is connected via a lead service line or galvanized steel pipes, lead may leach into your water. A simple test can tell you if there's lead in your tap water.
What should I do if I'm worried about lead and my child?
Contact your pediatrician or the CDC for health guidance. For water safety, test your tap water and use cold water for drinking and cooking. Run the tap for 30 seconds if it's been unused for hours.
When will Bellingham replace lead service lines?
The City of Bellingham is still inventorying its lead service lines and developing a replacement plan. Check with the utility directly for timelines and any funding programs that may become available.