KENT WATER DEPARTMENT Lead Service Line Inventory
Kent Water Department serves about 166,421 people in Washington State. Like all US water systems, it is required by federal law to identify and report on lead service lines—the pipes that connect the main water line under the street to homes.
What we know about Kent's lead service lines
Kent Water Department has not yet completed a public inventory of lead service lines in its service area. The utility has not reported how many lead, galvanized, or unknown service lines exist in the system, or how many total lines have been inventoried so far.
This does not mean there are no lead service lines. It means the work of identifying them is still underway or not yet publicly reported.
Why this matters
Lead service lines can leach lead into drinking water, especially in homes with older plumbing or in situations where water is corrosive. Children under 6 and pregnant people are most at risk from lead exposure. Even low levels of lead can affect brain development.
What Kent is (or should be) doing
Federal rules require all water systems to:
- Test for lead in homes where it's most likely to be found
- Develop an inventory of service line materials (lead, galvanized, plastic, copper, etc.)
- Create a plan to replace lead service lines over time
- Provide annual reports to customers
Kent Water Department is responsible for its part of this work. You can ask them directly about their timeline and findings.
Your home and your responsibility
If you rent: contact your landlord or property manager. Lead service line replacement is typically the property owner's job, though utilities may offer rebates or financing.
If you own: you can request a water test through your utility, and contact Kent to find out if your service line is known to be lead, galvanized, or another material.
Do not use water softeners as a substitute for lead service line replacement—they do not reliably remove lead.
Next steps for residents
- Contact Kent Water Department directly to ask about your service line material and the utility's current inventory status
- Request a free water test through the utility if you have concerns about lead in your home
- Check your home's age and records—homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead service lines
- Talk to your pediatrician if you have health concerns about lead exposure; they can order a blood test if needed
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Kent Water Department have lead in the water?
Lead gets into water through old service line pipes, not from the source water itself. Kent hasn't yet published a complete inventory showing how many lead service lines exist in its system. Contact the utility to ask about your specific property and their findings so far.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Kent Water Department can tell you what material your service line is made of. You can also ask for a free water test. Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead lines, but age alone doesn't determine it.
Is my water safe to drink right now?
The safest approach is to assume risk and take precautions: use cold water for drinking and cooking (hot water leaches more lead), run water for 30 seconds before use, and request a water test. For health concerns, talk to your doctor.
Who pays to replace a lead service line?
Property owners are typically responsible for replacing the portion of the line on their property. Some utilities offer rebates, grants, or low-interest loans. Contact Kent Water Department about programs available in your area.