Richmond Lead Service Line Replacement Program
City of Richmond serves about 233,655 people and reported 1,956 lead and 28 galvanized service lines that must be replaced, out of 83,254 lines, in EPA's Q3 2026 inventory, plus 67,626 lines of unknown material. Here's who pays to replace yours, what it costs, and how to sign up.
Grant up to $2,500 for the private side
Richmond's Department of Public Utilities offers a grant of up to $2,500 toward the direct costs of replacing a private lead service line, after DPU verifies the lead and approves the plumber, plus free inspections by licensed plumbers. City code bars using utility rates for private lines, so the help depends on state and federal grants. DPU mailed more than 73,000 notices in January 2026 and aims to eliminate lead lines by 2037.
How to get it
- Book a free service line inspection through DPU's Lead Free Water program.
- Get DPU approval of your plumber before work starts.
- Apply for the grant; call the Lead Hotline at 804-646-8600 with questions.
Sources: rva.gov, richmondfreepress.com
Lead lines in Richmond
The most recent 90th-percentile lead result EPA lists for this system is 3.6 parts per billion (2023-01 to 2025-12). Under the new federal rule, the action level drops to 10 ppb in 2027. Galvanized lines count if they ever sat downstream of a lead pipe, because they can hold lead particles. Unknown lines must be identified by the utility, and many turn out to be lead.
How Richmond compares: it ranks #236 of 7,556 U.S. water systems and #2 of 121 in Virginia for lead and galvanized lines. 2.4% of its service lines need replacing, compared with 0.9% across Virginia. See the national ranking.
Source: EPA SDWIS Service Line Inventory, Q3 2026 · Utility phone: 804-646-1638 · PWSID VA4760100
Richmond lead service line map: check your address
Every water utility had to publish an inventory of its service lines, and most offer an address lookup map. Start with City of Richmond's official lead program page, which links to its lookup or explains how to get your line checked. The status will be lead, galvanized requiring replacement, non-lead or unknown. If it's unknown, you can usually check the pipe yourself and send the utility a photo.
Communities and ZIP codes served
ZIP codes: 23173, 23219, 23220, 23221, 23224, 23225, 23226, 23284, 23298
Who pays in Virginia?
This state has no law we found that decides who pays for the private side of a lead service line, so each utility sets its own policy. Under the federal rule, utilities must replace every lead line and galvanized line that needs it within ten years of November 1, 2027, but the rule does not make utilities pay for the owner's side. Federal infrastructure money passed through the state revolving fund can pay for it, so many utilities offer free or discounted replacement, especially for low-income owners.
The law: Federal Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (40 CFR 141 Subpart I). Mandatory? No state owner mandate found; the federal rule requires most utilities to replace all lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by 2037. Funding: State Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (federal lead service line money).
Sources: epa.gov
Nationwide, EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements require most utilities to replace every lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement line by December 31, 2037, starting November 1, 2027. Utilities must mail a notice every year to each home with a lead, galvanized or unknown line. See the federal timeline.
What would you pay?
Many utility loans are 0% (enter 0). Private loans run higher. Your real price depends on how far the house sits from the street, digging versus trenchless methods, permits and restoration. This is an estimate, not a quote.
Not covered, or can't wait?
Get up to 3 quotes from licensed plumbers who replace service lines in Richmond.
Common questions
Is lead service line replacement free in Richmond?
Not fully free; it's a cost share (Grant up to $2,500 for the private side). Richmond's Department of Public Utilities offers a grant of up to $2,500 toward the direct costs of replacing a private lead service line, after DPU verifies the lead and approves the plumber, plus free inspections by licensed plumbers.
Is lead service line replacement mandatory in Richmond?
No state owner mandate found; the federal rule requires most utilities to replace all lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by 2037.
How much does it cost to replace a lead service line in Richmond?
Most private-side replacements cost about $4,000 to $10,000, and long or difficult lines can run higher. Price depends on the distance from the street to your house, whether the contractor digs a trench or pulls the new pipe through (trenchless), permits, and restoring your lawn, sidewalk or basement wall.
How do I know if my home has a lead service line?
Look up your address on City of Richmond's service line inventory or check the letter it mailed you. You can also check the pipe where it enters your basement, usually near the meter: lead is dull gray, soft, and turns shiny silver when you scratch it with a key, and a magnet won't stick. Galvanized steel is gray too, but a magnet sticks to it. See our step-by-step guide.
What if I can't afford to replace my lead line?
Ask City of Richmond about income-based help first; federal money often makes replacement free for low-income owners. Other options are utility payment plans, 0% city loans, state revolving fund programs, property tax assessments and home improvement loans. Our guide on paying for replacement lists them.
Who owns the water service line?
In most U.S. cities the utility owns the pipe from the water main to the curb stop or property line, and the property owner owns the rest, into the house. Some utilities, including Minneapolis and many in St. Louis County, treat the whole line as the owner's. Federal rules now require utilities to replace the whole lead line, not just their part.
Other Virginia programs
Something out of date? Report a change. We recheck program terms at least once a year.