Richmond City, VA · PWSID VA4760100
City of Richmond lead service lines
1,984 lead or galvanized lines to replace
City of Richmond reported 1,956 lead and 28 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines out of 83,254 in its inventory. That's about 1 in 42 lines. Another 67,626 (81%) are still listed as unknown material.
Ranks #2 of 121 Virginia systems with confirmed lead lines, and #236 nationally.
2.4% of City of Richmond's service lines are lead or galvanized requiring replacement. That's higher than the Virginia average (0.6%) and about the same as the national average (3.1%).
- Lead 2.3%
- Galvanized (replace) <0.1%
- Unknown 81%
- Non-lead 16%
Total service lines reported: 83,254. Reported all required service line types. Population served: 233,655; 83,254 connections.
Lead test results
City of Richmond's most recent 90th-percentile lead result (Jan 2023–Dec 2025) was 3.6 ppb, below both the 15 ppb action level and the 10 ppb level that takes effect in 2027. This means 90% of homes sampled were at or below that level; individual homes, especially those with lead lines, can be higher.
Lead and Copper Rule 90th-percentile results reported to EPA, in parts per billion. Dashed lines: 15 ppb action level and the 10 ppb level from November 1, 2027.
Progress since 2025 Q1
Reported lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines went from 1,984 in 2025 Q1 to 1,984 in 2026 Q3: no change. Lines of unknown material went from 67,626 to 67,626, no change.
Quarterly counts reported to EPA. A drop usually means lines were replaced or confirmed non-lead; a rise usually means more lines were identified. Replacement progress rankings.
Lead rule violations
EPA's data lists no Lead and Copper Rule violations for City of Richmond since 2015. That covers testing, reporting, corrosion control and public notice requirements; it isn't a guarantee about any individual home.
Source: EPA SDWIS violation records for the Lead and Copper Rule.
Where the water comes from
City of Richmond's main water source is surface water (rivers, lakes or reservoirs). It sells water to 3 other water systems: Chesterfield Co Central Water System, Hanover Suburban Water System, Henrico County Water System.
Source: EPA SDWIS water system and facility records.
Check your own address
These counts cover the whole system. To see whether your line is lead, use the utility's address-level inventory. Utilities had to prepare one by October 16, 2024 and make it publicly accessible; systems serving more than 50,000 people must post it online.
No map yet? Do the 2-minute scratch and magnet test on the pipe where water enters your home.
Protect your drinking water now
If your line is lead, galvanized or unknown, filter water for drinking, cooking and baby formula. Use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead. Run cold water for a few minutes after it sits for hours, and never use hot tap water for cooking.
How to pick a lead-certified filter · How to test your water for lead
Getting the line replaced
EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements require most systems to replace lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by December 31, 2037. Ask City of Richmond whether it replaces the private side for free or with a cost share before you hire anyone. If you want it done sooner, or your utility doesn't cover your side, a licensed plumber can quote it. What replacement costs.
Cities served
ZIP codes served
ZIP codes whose center falls inside City of Richmond's mapped service area (EPA service area boundaries). Neighboring utilities may serve parts of the same ZIP.
231732321923220232212322423225232262328423298
Check another water system
Questions
Does City of Richmond have lead pipes?
Yes. City of Richmond reported 1,956 lead service lines and 28 galvanized lines that must be replaced, out of 83,254 total. 67,626 more are of unknown material.
How do I check if my home's service line is lead?
Look up your address on City of Richmond's official service line inventory, which utilities must make publicly available. You can also scratch the pipe where it enters your home: lead is soft, dull gray, scratches to shiny silver and does not attract a magnet.
When will City of Richmond replace lead service lines?
Under EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, most systems must replace lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by December 31, 2037, starting from November 1, 2027. The rule is being challenged in court, so dates could change. Many utilities run free or cost-share programs now.
Has City of Richmond had lead violations?
EPA's data shows no Lead and Copper Rule violations since 2015 for City of Richmond.
Which water filters remove lead?
Use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead reduction, or NSF/ANSI 58 for reverse osmosis. Check the certification on NSF's listings, not just the box.
Embed or cite this data
Local news sites, blogs and community groups can embed this card. It updates when EPA releases new data.
Citation: Lead Pipe Map, "City of Richmond lead service lines," https://leadpipemap.com/va/city-of-richmond/. Source: EPA SDWIS service line inventory, 2026 Q3. Download the full dataset on the data page.