Why check for lead?
SAWS is investigating lead in customer-owned water service lines as part of a new program required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Exposure to lead is a well-known public health risk, especially for young children and those with other health issues.
Homes built before 1988 can have water service lines that are made of lead material. Due to building code changes, most homes built after 1988 won’t have service lines made of lead material.
What is a water service line?
The service line is the piping that connects a home or business to the public water system. It is usually buried in the yard. The customer-owned service line, located between the water meter and the home, is the property of the homeowner and not part of the public water piping system maintained by SAWS.
About the SAWS Project Lead pilot
Starting in spring 2023, SAWS will begin inspecting about 300 randomly chosen, customer-owned water service lines across the city. This will help us determine which areas to focus on as the next phases of Project Lead are developed.
Sign up for the SAWS Project Lead pilot program
Did you receive an invitation from SAWS asking you to join our Project Lead pilot?
Sign Up HereHow we identify lead service lines
With the homeowner’s permission, a SAWS employee or contractor will inspect the customer-owned water service line in one of two ways:
- In a crawl space or basement under the house.
- By digging a hole (potholing).
Your water service will not be interrupted. Any disturbance to your yard will be restored to its previous condition using existing materials.
What we do with the inspection results
The outcome of the inspection will be provided to the homeowner at no charge, along with information about what those results mean.
The findings will also become part of a public database, published online at saws.org beginning late 2024, as required by the EPA. When completed, this will allow anyone to look up that information about their own home or a home they are interested in buying or renting.
Is SAWS water safe to drink?
Since the 1980s, SAWS has proactively replaced older pipes in the public water system that were made of lead.
We also conduct thousands of tests each year to make sure the water we deliver to your home or business is safe and secure.
Additional lead resources
Here are some useful links to help you learn more about SAWS Project Lead, the EPA Revised Lead and Copper Rule and other information about how lead can affect you and your family.