Lead Reduction Resources

To get started, please make sure your address is here on the Service Line Inventory.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) first introduced the Lead and Copper Rule in 1991 to help protect communities from lead exposure. Over time, the rule has evolved—most notably with the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR), finalized in January 2021. These updates place greater emphasis on identifying lead service lines, expanding water testing, and supporting programs for lead line removal or replacement. Water systems across the country must comply with the LCRR by October 16, 2024.

In response, the City of Norfolk’s Department of Utilities has launched a proactive lead reduction program to maintain our strong record of drinking water compliance. We’re committed to:

  • Delivering water that meets or exceeds all Federal and State safety standards
  • Keeping our service line inventory up to date
  • Communicating with customers throughout the program to ensure transparency and excellent service
  • Partnering with residents to identify lead service lines and provide resources that support their health and safety

The City of Norfolk’s Department of Utilities is launching an important initiative—and we need your help. We’re building a detailed inventory of water service line materials across the city, and we rely on residents to identify and report the materials used in their water service lines. This website provides everything you need to check your service line material, report your findings, and learn how to reduce lead exposure if needed. By participating, you’re helping us ensure the continued delivery of safe, clean, and reliable drinking water to every home and business.

What Is a Water Service Line?

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Water service lines are small pipes that carry water from the City's water mains in the streets into individual homes and buildings. Service lines can be made of plastic, brass, copper, cast iron, ductile iron, lead, or galvanized steel (which can have lead). Homes built before 1988 may have lead pipes that connect the home to the City’s water mains. Homes built after 1988 should not have a lead service line. 

When water leaves the City of Norfolk water treatment plant, it does not contain lead; it is safe to drink, and it complies with Federal and State standards. Lead can get into drinking water from the plumbing inside your home/building or from a lead service line.  

If your service line is lead, the lead may leach into the water when it sits in the line after not being used for a few hours. This poses potential health risks. 

The City of Norfolk Department of Utilities continues to proactively update the service line inventory materials to better understand our system and protect our customers. Read about Material Verification for more on this process.

Service Line Material Inventory Image Link
Material Verification Image Link
Frequently Asked Questions Image Link
Self Reporting Survey Image Link
Health Effects of Lead Image Link
Additional Resources Image Link
Replacement Program Image Link

Contact Us Image Link


Important Reminders Image Link
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Homeowners are responsible for the private section of their water service line, the part that connects the home to the water meter, as well as the home’s interior plumbing system.

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The City of Norfolk is working to find any lead service lines in the public water system. We are preparing for new lead monitoring and reporting requirements.

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Our water quality analysts continuously monitor drinking water. We use a corrosion control treatment that coats the lining of the system to reduce lead in the water. This treatment has been used for over three decades, and sampling results continue to show that it is effective.

How To Reduce Your Risk

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 If you think you have a lead or galvanized steel service line, you can take steps to decrease your lead exposure: 

  • Run drinking water for at least three to five minutes before you use it for drinking or cooking if the water has gone unused for more than six hours. In doing so, you are flushing stagnant water and getting fresh water from the water main pipe.
    • To conserve water, other household activities such as showering, washing clothes, flushing the toilet, and running the dishwasher are effective for flushing pipes.
  • Remove and clean faucet screens and aerators annually.
  • Use fresh, cold, running water for drinking, cooking, and preparing baby formula.
  • Buy plumbing fixtures (faucets, valves, sinks, hose bibs, etc.) that have zero- or low-lead content meeting the current “lead-free” requirements. Read the labels of new plumbing fixtures closely.
    • Use a National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)-Certified home water treatment device, faucet, or pitcher filter that removes lead. The device must be both NSF 42 and NSF 53- certified to remove lead. More information is available at this list of NSF-certified filters.

Contact Us

Contact us directly for more information, inquiries, or other help, including assistance finding your water service line.

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Email Utilities

utwainq@norfolk.gov

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Call Customer Service

757-664-6700