Lead in Greenwich tap water?

There may be as many as 8,000 water service lines in CT that are lead-based and more than 1,500 of these lines are suspected to be supplying homes in Greenwich.

New federal regulations finalized in 2024 require public utilities to create an inventory of every lead service line in their system and to replace them within the next decade. You can see if there are lead service lines on your road by using the Aquarion service line inventory map here.

Lead pipes are mostly found in older houses built between 1870 and the early 1930s. They were used because of their durability and pliability making them easy to snake under sidewalks and basements. In 1986 the government banned lead plumbing in construction. While lead pipes in buildings have mostly been replaced, the old service lines connecting to the main utility remain in the ground.

If you suspect lead service lines, contact the utility. Meanwhile, install water filters or run the water for several minutes before using it.

Between the lines: Even though lead in the water is a concern, lead-based paint is the biggest contributor to lead poisoning in children in the U.S.

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