Lead Service Lines in Redmond, Washington

What you need to know

Redmond Water System serves about 163,000 people in the Redmond area. The utility draws its water from surface sources.

Lead service lines (the pipes that connect the water main to your home) are a potential source of lead in drinking water. If your home was built before the 1980s, there's a meaningful chance your service line contains lead—even if your water tests fine today.

Current inventory status

Redmond Water System has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines in its system. This means the utility hasn't systematically identified which homes have lead pipes and which don't. Many water systems across the US are still working through this process, especially larger ones serving tens of thousands of people.

Without a complete inventory, you won't be able to look up your address on a public map or database to learn definitively whether your home has a lead service line. However, this doesn't mean your water is unsafe—it means the information isn't yet public.

What you can do now

Contact your water utility directly. Call or visit Redmond Water System's website and ask:

• Whether they have any records indicating if your property has a lead service line
• What year your home was built (homes built before 1986 are at higher risk)
• Whether they offer free or subsidized water testing
• What replacement programs or funding might be available to you

Get your water tested. A simple, inexpensive test can tell you if lead is present in the water coming from your tap right now. This is the most direct way to know if there's a current risk in your home, regardless of pipe type.

Check if you qualify for help. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is funding lead service line replacement across the country. Even if your utility hasn't announced a program yet, ask whether federal funding is available or planned.

Why this matters

Lead can harm brain development in children and cause other serious health effects. The only way lead gets into your water is through old pipes and fixtures—it's not in the water itself when it leaves the treatment plant. Replacing the service line you own (usually the part from the meter to your home) is often the most effective long-term solution.

Next steps for residents

• Contact Redmond Water System to ask about your property's service line and water testing options
• Request a free or low-cost lead test if you haven't had one recently
• Ask about lead service line replacement programs or financial assistance
• If you have young children or are pregnant, discuss water safety with your pediatrician or doctor

```json [ { "q": "Does Redmond Water System have lead in it?", "a": "Lead isn't naturally in treated water. It enters your home through old lead service lines or fixtures. The only way to know if lead is in your tap water is to test it. Contact Redmond Water System for free or low-cost testing." }, { "q": "How do I know if my house has a lead service line?", "a": "Redmond Water System is still building its lead service line inventory, so you can't look it up online yet. Call the utility directly and ask about your property's age and any records they have. Homes built before 1986 are at higher risk." }, { "q": "Is it expensive to replace a lead service line?", "a": "Replacement can cost $3,000–$25,000 depending on your property. Federal funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is available to many homeowners, often covering 50–100% of costs. Ask Redmond Water System about programs you may qualify for." }, { "q": "What should I do if I'm worried about lead in my water?", "a": "Get your water tested—it's quick and affordable. Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking. If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your doctor or