Lead Pipe Map

Renting a home with lead pipes

Renters can't usually replace a service line themselves, but you can find out what's under your building and protect your drinking water today.

Find out

  • Look up your water system and its address-level inventory.
  • Utilities must notify people served by lead, galvanized-requiring-replacement or unknown lines. If you got a notice, keep it and share it with your landlord.
  • Ask your landlord directly what the service line is made of.

Replacement

Replacing the private side of a line usually needs the property owner's consent. Many utilities replace it for free when the owner agrees, so pass the utility's information to your landlord. Under EPA's rules, most systems must replace lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by December 31, 2037.

Protect your water now

  • Use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead for drinking and cooking. A faucet-mount filter is easy to remove when you move out.
  • Use cold water only for drinking and cooking.
  • Ask the utility for a free lead test.

Tenant rights on lead differ by state and city. A local tenant union or legal aid office can tell you what your landlord must do.

Look up your water system or ZIP code on the Lead Pipe Map home page to see how many lead lines it reported.

Common questions

Can my landlord refuse to replace a lead service line?

Rules differ by state and city. Private-side replacement usually needs the owner’s consent; many utilities replace it for free once the owner agrees.

What filter should a renter use for lead?

A pitcher or faucet-mount filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead works well and is easy to take with you when you move.

More: How to tell if your home has a lead service line · What "lead status unknown" means · Water filters that remove lead · How to test your tap water for lead · Lead service line replacement: cost, who pays and deadlines · Does a Brita filter remove lead?