Tacoma Water Division: Lead Service Line Information
Tacoma Water Division serves approximately 446,170 people in Washington State. Like many water systems built in the early-to-mid 20th century, some homes in Tacoma's service area may have lead service lines—the pipes that connect the water main under the street to your home.
What you need to know
Lead service lines were commonly installed before the 1980s. Even with treatment, water can pick up small amounts of lead as it travels through these old pipes, especially in homes where water sits unused for several hours or in water with certain chemical characteristics.
Tacoma Water Division's inventory status: The utility has not yet completed a full public inventory of lead service lines. This means the exact number of affected homes in the system is not yet publicly available. Federal rules now require all water utilities to identify and map lead service lines, but many systems—including Tacoma—are still working through this process.
Why this matters for your home
If your home was built before 1986 (when lead solder was banned in plumbing), there's a meaningful chance your service line or indoor plumbing contains lead. Lead exposure is a health concern, especially for young children and pregnant people. The CDC recommends action if lead levels in drinking water exceed 15 parts per billion (ppb).
Next steps for residents
- Contact Tacoma Water Division at their customer service line to ask: (1) when your home was built or connected to the water system, and (2) whether your service line has been identified as lead, galvanized, or unknown material.
- Test your tap water for lead through your local health department or a certified lab. Tacoma Water can provide guidance on how to collect a sample correctly.
- Use cold water for drinking and cooking. Hot water dissolves lead faster. If water has sat in pipes for more than 6 hours, let it run for 30 seconds before filling a glass.
- Check back periodically for updates to Tacoma's lead service line inventory as the utility completes its mapping work.
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Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Tacoma Water have lead in it?
Tacoma Water itself doesn't contain lead—the risk comes from lead service lines and plumbing in older homes. Tap water can pick up lead as it travels through these pipes. The utility is still identifying which homes have lead lines.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Call Tacoma Water Division's customer service and ask about your address. You can also dig near your home's water meter if you're able—lead lines are dull gray, soft enough to scratch, and will show a bright silver mark when scratched.
Is lead in drinking water dangerous?
Lead exposure is a serious health concern, especially for children under 6 and pregnant people. Talk to your pediatrician or doctor about testing and prevention if you're concerned. Visit the CDC website for more information.
What can I do right now to reduce lead exposure?
Run cold tap water for 30 seconds if it hasn't been used for 6+ hours, use cold water for drinking and cooking, and consider testing your tap water. A water filter certified for lead removal can also help.