Lead pipes and your tap water

A lead pipe between the water main and your house is usually the biggest source of lead in tap water. Here is how to find out if you have one, and what to do meanwhile.

Why it matters

• EPA: "In homes with lead pipes that connect the home to the water main, also known as lead services lines, these pipes are typically the most significant source of lead in the water." (EPA)
• "EPA estimates that drinking water can make up 20 percent or more of a person's total exposure to lead." (EPA)

Do you have one?

• Ask your water utility. EPA: "Ask your water utility or if your utility doesn't have information a licensed plumber may be able to assist." (EPA)
• Water systems had to inventory their service line materials by October 16, 2024, and EPA's rules require them to make lead line locations public. (EPA)
• Check it yourself with EPA's guide: "All you need is a penny (or key) and a magnet." (Protect Your Tap)

Replacing lead pipes

EPA's rule requires drinking water systems "to identify and replace lead pipes within 10 years," with federal money going to states through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (EPA). Ask your utility whether it has a replacement program for your street.

Meanwhile, EPA says

• "Use only cold water for drinking, cooking and making baby formula. Remember, boiling water does not remove lead from water."
• "The more time water has been sitting in pipes, the more lead it may contain."
• "If you use a filter, make sure you use a filter certified to remove lead." Compare fixes

Test your water

• Free lead test kits from city water utilities
• Tap Score's mail-in Lead and Copper test: $55 (Tap Score, price checked October 2, 2026)

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EPA pages checked October 2, 2026.