Identifying Customer-Owned Service Lines

The SFPUC removed all utility-owned lead water service lines in the 1980s. We are currently replacing all utility-owned galvanized water service lines. We have replaced 60% of utility-owned galvanized service lines and expect to have 100% replaced within the next three years. You can check our interactive map to see if your address has a utility or customer-owned galvanized water service line.

The SFPUC actively monitors for lead in drinking water. Our high-quality water meets all federal and state drinking water requirements for lead. 

We also adjust the pH of the water we deliver to prevent corrosion of pipes. This means that even if you own a lead or galvanized water service line there is a lower likelihood of corrosion into the water. There is a less than 1% chance that your customer-owned water service line is made of lead.

Water service lines connect the water main to the plumbing inside a home or business. The SFPUC owns the portion of the water service line that connects the water main to the meter box. The property owner owns the portion of the water service line that connects the meter box to the plumbing inside their home or business.

If you plan on replacing your service line, please contact the SFPUC’s Water Quality Division at 415-934-3900 or quality@sfwater.org and we’ll provide free pitcher filters and additional free lead testing.

What is a galvanized pipe?

A galvanized pipe is a type of pipe material used for water service lines. Galvanized pipes may have a higher risk of lead exposure.

There is no lead in water delivered from the SFPUC and all known lead service lines were removed by the SFPUC years ago. However, galvanized pipes may still contain some lead from the lead service lines that were previously removed. This is because galvanized pipes can corrode and trap lead. If the pipe is disturbed, this lead may be released.

What is the SFPUC doing about galvanized pipes?

The SFPUC treats the pH of the water we deliver to prevent corrosion. This lessens the likelihood that the coating of galvanized pipes will corrode. 

We’re also in the process of replacing all galvanized water service lines the SFPUC owns. We expect to replace 100% of utility-owned water service lines within the next three years. You can check our interactive map at sfpuc.gov/lead to see if your address has a utility-owned galvanized water service line.

What should I do if I have a galvanized pipe?

If the SFPUC identified your property’s customer-owned water service line as galvanized pipe, we recommend replacing your water service line. You will know if the SFPUC found a galvanized pipe at your property if you received a letter from us. The water the SFPUC delivers to you is safe to drink. 

The customer-owned portion of the water service line is on your private property. This means that the SFPUC cannot replace this portion of the water service line for you. As the property owner, you are responsible for replacing the customer-owned portion of the water service line. 

The SFPUC is offering free lead testing for customers that received letters identifying their water service line as a galvanized pipe. Please open the drop down below, titled “Lead Testing,” to schedule your test.

You can also open the drop down below titled Tips to Reduce Potential Lead Exposure to learn how to reduce your risk of potential lead exposure.

What if I am a tenant?

If you are a tenant and received a letter identifying your water service line as a galvanized pipe, please share that letter with your property owner. The water the SFPUC delivers to you is safe to drink.
You can ask your property owner to schedule a free lead test from the SFPUC.

You can also open the tab below titled Tips to Reduce Potential Lead Exposure to learn how to reduce your risk of potential lead exposure.

What does it mean if my water service line has not been inspected?

The SFPUC is inspecting all customer-owned water service lines to check for galvanized or lead pipes. We sent notices to addresses that have not yet been inspected. If you received this notice, this means we cannot confirm the material of your water service line. The water the SFPUC delivers to you is safe to drink.

When will the SFPUC inspect my water service line?

If you received a notice that your address’ water service line has not been inspected, the SFPUC will complete an inspection soon and send you another notice confirming the material. 

If you don’t want to wait for the SFPUC to confirm the material of your water service line, you may request that your inspection be done sooner. Please open the drop down below titled “Free Inspection” to schedule your inspection with one of the SFPUC’s technicians. 

What can I do in the meantime?

The SFPUC is offering free lead testing for customers that received letters identifying their water service line as unknown material. Please open the drop down below, titled Lead Testing, to schedule your test. 

If you are the property owner, you can check the material of your water service line. Click on the YouTube video below to watch step-by-step instructions or click on this fact sheet to read the instructions.

If you don’t want to wait for the SFPUC to confirm the material of your water service line, you may request that your inspection be done sooner. Please open the tab below titled Free Inspection to schedule your inspection with one of the SFPUC’s technicians.

If you are a tenant, you can share this information with your property owner. Please do not inspect the water service line if you are not the property owner.  

There are a few things you can do to prevent potential lead exposure:

• Flush the water before you drink it. Let your water run on cold for a few minutes before using it
• Do not boil your water to remove lead. Boiling water will not remove lead.
• If you use a water filter, make sure it’s certified for lead to National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)/ANSI standards. Make sure to replace and maintain the filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• The SFPUC is offering free lead testing to customers that received a letter about galvanized or unknown service line material. You can schedule an appointment by calling 415-934-3900 or opening the tab below titled Lead Testing. Please have your water service account number ready.
• Contact your health care provider if you have concerns about drinking your tap water.
• Learn more about your water quality in the SFPUC’s Water Quality Report. Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Filipino.

Tips for Residents

The SFPUC is offering free lead testing for customers that received letters identifying their water service line as galvanized pipes or unknown material. If you received one of these letters, please call 415-934-3900 to schedule your free lead test. 

Once we verify that you are eligible for a free lead test, the SFPUC will send you a sampling kit. We will also provide instructions to collect your tap water sample. Once you have collected your tap water sample, the SFPUC will pick it up and conduct analysis for lead. Then, we’ll send you the results.

To request a free inspection of the customer-owned water service line at your address, please call 415-934-3900 or email quality@sfwater.org. Please have your water service account number ready to provide.

Please call 415-934-3900 or email quality@sfwater.org if you have any questions.