Got a lead pipe letter from your water utility?
Short answer
A lead service line letter means your utility’s records show your line is lead, galvanized requiring replacement, or unknown. It is not a water test result. EPA’s rule requires these notices within 30 days of the inventory and every year after. Next: check your city’s program and sign any consent form.
- Official sources
- Last checked:
- Free, no sign-up
Five steps
- Read what it says your line is: lead, galvanized requiring replacement, or unknown.
- Look up your address on your utility’s inventory map (most large utilities have one).
- Return any consent or work agreement. In Columbus and Milwaukee, a signed form is required for replacement.
- If listed “unknown,” do the scratch and magnet test and report it.
- Get your water tested if your city offers a free test, and consider an NSF/ANSI 53 filter while you wait.
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Your next steps, in order
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1. Use the free or low-cost program first
Many utilities replace lines at no cost or offer no-interest loans.
Find my city2. Test your water
Some cities test free (Chicago: call 311). Otherwise a certified-lab mail-in kit is an option.
Tap Score test kit (affiliate link, placeholder)3. While you wait, consider a certified filter
Look for NSF/ANSI 53 certification for lead reduction.
NSF/ANSI 53 filters on Amazon (affiliate, placeholder)If the free program covers your line, you’re done. You don’t need step 4.
4. Not eligible or can’t wait? Compare plumbers
Before hiring, ask your utility whether you need pre-approval so you don’t lose program help.
Plumber quotes (referral, coming soon)
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Lead Pipe Alerts: we email only when a real date or program changes for your city or state, plus one monthly roundup. No texts.
Frequently asked questions
Is the letter a scam?
Real notices come from your water utility. Check the utility name against your water bill and call the number on your bill, not one in an unexpected ad. Columbus, for example, confirms its warranty mailers are legitimate on its official site.
Do I have to pay anything?
Often not. Detroit, Denver, Cincinnati and NYC eligible areas replace at no direct cost. Check your city page.
What if I ignore the letter?
You may lose free replacement. Columbus says only properties with a signed work agreement are eligible for free replacement, and owners otherwise pay $6,000–$10,000 themselves.