Although lead pipes have been banned from use in plumbing and public water systems since 1986, millions remain in use today, especially in older cities and homes. Some states have significantly higher numbers of lead service lines, raising concerns about drinking water safety.
In this article, we’ll explore where lead pipes are most common, what’s being done to replace them, and how you can protect your home from harmful water contaminants.
In this article:
- Understanding Lead in Drinking Water
- Top States with the Most Lead Service Lines
- Factors Contributing to High LSL Numbers
- Federal and State Initiatives to Replace Lead Pipes
- Keeping Your Home Water Safe
- Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding Lead in Drinking Water
According to the CDC, overall exposure to lead in drinking water has declined, but even small amounts are dangerous. There is no safe level of lead, particularly for children. That’s why it’s critical to understand how lead gets into water and how to spot it in your home.
What Are Lead Service Lines (LSLs)?
Lead service lines (LSLs) are underground pipes that connect the public water supply to your home. Most were installed between the late 1800s and the mid-20th century. While the 1986 lead ban stopped new installations, existing pipes weren’t removed and are still in use across the country today.
Health Risks Associated with Lead Exposure
Because lead accumulates in the body, any amount can pose serious, irreversible health risks. The CDC states that, in children, lead poisoning can lead to developmental delays, nervous system damage, learning and behavior problems, and slowed growth. Adults may experience high blood pressure, memory loss, joint and muscle pain, fertility issues, and difficulty concentrating.
Historical Use of Lead Pipes in the U.S.
According to research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), over 70% of cities in the United States with populations exceeding 30,000 had lead pipes by 1900. This was because lead was known to last longer than other materials, such as iron, even though health concerns had already been reported.
Heavy lobbying from the industry prevented the federal government from taking action until the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974 was amended in 1986 to include a ban on lead in drinking water pipes.
Top 5 States with the Most Lead Service Lines
Data included in this section comes from the EPA’s Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment. These assessments are conducted every four years, and the numerical data is from the most recent one, published in April 2023. You can also consult the LeafHome website for more information about water quality by state.
City information is courtesy of the map provided by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).
1. Florida
- Estimated Number of LSLs: 1,159,300 or 12.62% of total lines
- Major Cities Affected: Brooksville, Cocoa, Fort Lauderdale, Gainesville, Kissimmee, and Pensacola
- State Resource: Lead Service Line Inventory Links | Florida Department of Environmental Protection
- Local Initiatives:
- The state government officials blamed the EPA for the lead pipe data and claimed that they were inflated, and the EPA announced corrective action in April 2025 because the state didn’t reliably report data for the infrastructure survey.
- The state EPA provides information on how public systems are tested.
- City of North Miami has the Lead and Copper Rules Revision Project, which is inventorying service lines across the city.
- Some municipalities, like Oldsmar provide information for residents on lead pipes.
2. Illinois
- Estimated Number of LSLs: 1,043,294 or 11.35% of total lines
- Major Cities Affected: Chicago, Elgin, Evanston, Rockford, and Springfield
- State Resource: Lead Service Lines | Illinois Department of Public Health
- Local Initiatives: Chicago has a lot of programs in place to reduce lead service lines, including:
- A law requiring them to be entirely replaced, not partially replaced (also a state law).
- Free replacement for licensed daycares in low-income neighborhoods.
- Potential free line replacement for income-eligible households.
- Many communities offer sites about lead in the water, like Decatur and Claredon Hills.
- Several communities have pushed to replace lines:
3. Ohio
- Estimated Number of LSLs: 745,061 or 8.11% of total lines
- Major Cities Affected: Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and Youngstown
- State Resource: Learn About Lead | Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
- Local Initiatives:
- The state of Ohio is currently looking to pass a bill that would require all lead service lines to be replaced over the next 15 years.
- Cities are making progress mapping and inventorying lead service lines, with Columbus on track to remove 5,000 pipes per year.
- Cincinnati is aiming for 3,600 pipe removals per year.
4. Pennsylvania
- Estimated Number of LSLs: 688,697 or 7.5% of all lines
- Major Cities Affected: Allentown, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Rices Landing
- State Resource: Lead in Drinking Water | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
- Local Initiatives:
- Aqua (a water service) agreed to replace up to 1,500 lead service lines a year
- Local organizations like the Philadelphia Water Department inform residents on the risks of lead in the water.
- Pittsburgh is on track to replace all lead service lines by 2027, with the highest replacement record in the country after hitting their 12,000th replaced line in December 2024 since the program began in 2017.
5. Texas
- Estimated Number of LSLs 647,640 or 7.05% of all lines
- Major Cities Affected: Dallas, Fort Worth, and Houston
- State Resource: Lead Service Line Replacement Program | Texas Water Development Board
- Local Initiatives:
- Houston Water sent notices to over 429,000 customers in late 2024 to alert them that their service lines were made of unknown materials to survey potential lead lines.
- The EPA announced corrective action against the state of Texas in April 2025 because the state did not reliably provide data for the infrastructure survey.
- The city of Austin became completely lead service pipe free in 2024.
Factors Contributing to High LSL Numbers
Age of Infrastructure and Housing
Many homes and water systems built before the 1986 federal ban still rely on lead pipes. With the average U.S. home now over 40 years old, this is a widespread issue. In the U.S. today, there are an estimated 9.2 million LSLs that feed water into homes, schools and other public spaces.
Incomplete or Inaccurate Pipe Inventories
Agencies can’t be certain how many lead pipes are in any community or area with inaccurate or incomplete pipe inventories. These issues often stem from administrative errors like illegible writing. Self-reported or unknown pipe status can also affect the lead pipe total. If the material of the pipe is questionable, it is treated as a lead service line unless proven otherwise. That means additional testing and possibly even excavation to access the water main and determine the composition of the pipe, which takes extra time.
Federal and State Initiatives to Replace Lead Pipes
Several states have already implemented laws requiring the removal of lead pipes, and the federal government has also taken action.
EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI)
As of October 2024, all lead service lines must be fully replaced within 10 years, per a final ruling under the Biden administration. This builds on the original 1991 rule, which only aimed to reduce lead and copper levels.
Funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Passed in 2021, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocated $50 billion to the EPA for water-related improvements, with $15 billion dedicated specifically to funding the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Lead Service Line Replacement. These fund lead-related activities, including identification of lead pipes as well as planning and implementing replacement.
Funding to replace pipes is allocated annually for five years, until 2026. For 2024, three states received higher funding: Illinois ($241 million), Florida ($229 million), and Ohio ($184 million). The other states received either the minimum of $28.9 million, the same amount as the previous year, or less than the previous year.
State-Specific Replacement Programs and Deadlines
In addition to the ten-year timeline given by the EPA, many states have their own replacement programs already in place. The Illinois Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act, for instance, was signed into law in 2021. This law requires lead pipes to be entirely replaced instead of partially replaced during repairs.
Michigan led the way for states to implement laws requiring the replacement of lead pipes. It became the first state to enact a removal law with the passage of the Michigan Safe Drinking Water Act in 2018. It stated that starting on January 1, 2021, any municipal water lines with lead must implement replacements of at least 5% of the lines each year. Replacements must be done within 20 years.
Keeping Your Home Water Safer
Lead exposure through drinking water is a serious health concern, especially for children and families in states with high numbers of lead service lines. Even low levels of exposure can accumulate over time, and there is no known safe threshold.
If your home was built before 1988, there’s a higher likelihood that it may contain lead plumbing. Not sure what your pipes are made of? Start with a simple at-home inspection or request a water quality test. Many state and local programs offer free testing kits. For a more detailed analysis, Leaf Home Water Solutions offers professional water testing and filtration solutions tailored to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have lead pipes in my home?
Homes built after 1988 are unlikely to have lead pipes. For older homes, inspect the pipe near your water meter. Lead is silver, soft (easily scratched with a key), and non-magnetic. Click here for an easy-to-use guide from the EPA.
Is drinking water with lead safe?
No. No amount of lead consumption is safe, according to the CDC. Water contamination symptoms from lead ingestion can also develop over time, making it more hazardous with prolonged use.
What can I do if my water has lead?
First, contact your local water utility. Some communities have programs to help homeowners replace lead service pipes. You can also flush your water system regularly to prevent the accumulation of lead. It’s also a good idea to consider a whole-home water filtration system that can help prevent contaminants from entering your drinking water.
Are home filters effective against lead?
Certain types of home filtration systems, such as reverse osmosis water systems, are known to reduce contaminants like lead from water. However, disposable pitcher filters are only effective if specifically labelled as being able to filter lead. And even still, the label should state how much lead it can remove.
Will the government pay to replace my pipes?
It depends. Some cities and states offer full or partial funding through local or federal programs. Check with your utility for eligibility. However, keep in mind that maintaining and replacing the lines on your property is ultimately your responsibility.
When will all lead pipes be replaced in the U.S.?
In October 2024, the EPA issued a final ruling that all lead pipes must be removed within the next ten years. So, by 2034, there should be no more lead drinking water pipes in the United States.
