SPOKANE CITY OF Water System Lead Service Line Inventory
What you need to know
Spokane City of serves about 343,167 people in Washington. Like all US water systems, it is required by federal law to test for lead and inform the public about what it finds.
Current inventory status: This water system has not yet completed its lead service line inventory. An inventory is a detailed count and map of pipes that connect the public water main to individual homes—pipes that may contain lead. Federal rules require all systems to finish this work by 2024 for areas with higher population, with extended deadlines for smaller systems.
The absence of a completed inventory does not mean there is no lead in the system. It means the work to identify where lead lines exist is still underway or not yet started.
Why this matters
Lead service lines are the most common source of lead in drinking water. Even small amounts of lead exposure can affect children's learning and development. The CDC recommends testing your water if you live in an older home or are concerned about lead exposure—especially if you have young children or are pregnant.
What the water system should provide
Once Spokane City of completes its inventory, it must:
- Publish a list or map showing where lead service lines are located
- Explain what steps it plans to take (testing, replacement, corrosion control treatment, or other actions)
- Share a timeline and funding plan for any replacements
You can ask Spokane City of when it expects to release this information by contacting the utility directly.
What you can do now
- Test your water if your home was built before 1980 or you have concerns. Contact your local health department for low-cost or free testing options.
- Reduce exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds before drinking, using cold water for cooking (hot water leaches more lead), and cleaning aerators regularly.
- Ask your utility about your specific address and whether your service line is known to be lead or non-lead.
Next steps for residents
- Contact Spokane City of directly to ask when the inventory will be complete and available to the public
- Request information about your home's service line material
- Consider having your water tested, especially if you have young children
- Visit the CDC's lead and drinking water page for testing guidance
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Spokane water have lead in it?
Spokane City of is still completing its lead service line inventory. The absence of a completed inventory doesn't mean there is no lead—it means the water system hasn't yet finished identifying where lead pipes exist. Contact the utility for your address's specific status.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Call Spokane City of and ask about your address. You can also have a licensed plumber inspect the pipe that enters your home. Lead is dull gray, soft, and can be scratched with a penny.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Spokane?
Spokane's water meets federal safety standards. However, if you live in an older home or are concerned about lead, you can request a free or low-cost water test from your local health department or use an EPA-approved test kit.
What should I do if I'm worried about lead exposure?
Flush your tap for 30 seconds before drinking, use cold water for cooking, and consider testing your water. If you have health concerns, especially for young children, contact your pediatrician or the CDC's lead hotline.