KING COUNTY WATER DISTRICT #20 Lead Service Line Inventory

King County Water District #20 serves roughly 39,000 people in Washington State. If you live in this area and are wondering whether your home might have a lead service line—the underground pipe that connects your house to the water main—this page explains what the district has found so far and what you can do.

What we know about lead pipes in this district

The district has not yet completed a comprehensive inventory of lead service lines. This means there's no public count yet of how many homes might be affected in your area. This doesn't mean there's no lead risk—it means the work to identify it is still in progress.

Federal law requires all water systems to identify and map lead service lines by October 2024. King County Water District #20 is working to meet that deadline.

Why this matters

Lead service lines corrode over time, especially in homes with naturally acidic water or older plumbing. When corrosion happens, lead can enter your drinking water. Even small amounts can pose health risks, particularly for young children and pregnant people. You cannot see, taste, or smell lead in water.

If you have young children or are pregnant, the CDC recommends testing your water and taking precautions—like using cold water for drinking and cooking—until you know more about your home's pipes.

What you can do now

Contact your water district directly. They can tell you:

• Whether your address has a known lead service line
• What testing or flushing programs they offer
• When the full inventory will be available
• Whether you qualify for financial help with replacement

Many water systems now offer free or reduced-cost lead testing. Some have partial or full replacement programs funded through federal grants.

Get your water tested. Even if you don't know whether you have a lead line, a simple test can tell you if lead is present in your tap water right now. Your utility often provides this at low or no cost.

If you rent, contact your landlord. They are legally responsible for maintaining safe drinking water and may already have test results or replacement plans in place.

Next steps for residents

• Contact KING COUNTY WATER DISTRICT #20 directly to ask about their lead service line inventory status and any testing or replacement programs available to you
• Request a free water test from your utility to check for lead in your tap water
• If you have young children or are pregnant, consult your pediatrician or doctor about additional precautions while you gather information
• Check your water bill or the utility's website for updates on the lead inventory as it becomes available

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```json [ { "q": "How do I know if I have a lead service line?", "a": "Contact KING COUNTY WATER DISTRICT #20 and ask them to check your address in their records. You can also have a plumber inspect the pipe where it enters your home, though inspection may require digging. A water test can tell you if lead is currently in your tap water, even if you're unsure about the pipe material." }, { "q": "Is it safe to drink tap water from a lead service line?", "a": "Lead can leach into water from corroded pipes, but not always. A water test is the only way to know for sure if lead is present in your tap water. If you're concerned—especially with young children in the home—contact your utility about a free test and temporary precautions you can take." }, { "q": "How much does it cost to replace a lead service line?", "a": "Replacement costs vary widely depending on your location and how deep the pipe is buried. Many water systems now offer grants, rebates, or cost-sharing programs to help. Contact KING COUNTY WATER DISTRICT #20 to ask what financial assistance is available in your area." }, { "q": "Why hasn't my water district finished mapping lead pipes yet?", "a":