Service Line Upgrades FAQs

The City of Baytown is recognized as a superior water system by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and continues to meet and exceed state and federal water quality standards. This initiative is part of our ongoing efforts to ensure safe drinking water for all customers. 

For years, the City’s water testing has shown the water is safe and meets or surpasses state and federal water quality standards. This includes testing for lead to ensure the water is safe to drink. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has introduced new regulations that will require the replacement of all lead service lines in the near future.

A service line is a pipe that carries water from the city’s supply to your home. The city owns the service line from the main water supply to the meter, while the customer owns the service line from the meter into the home.

The Water Service Line Survey aims to identify the material your service line is made of to ensure that your residence meets current safety standards.

Lead is a natural element found on the earth and can be present in air, water, or soil. Human activities, like using lead in gas, paint, and pipes, have increased our exposure. Lead was commonly used in water service lines until the 1950s and in household plumbing fixtures until it was banned in 1988. While lead has not been detected in the water leaving the water treatment plant, lead can enter drinking water through old lead service lines or plumbing in older homes built before 1988.

Follow the three steps outlined on the Service Line upgrades web page to check if your home has lead service lines.

If your address is in a white circle, follow steps 2 and 3 on the Service Line Upgrades web page to survey your service line. If it's near an orange triangle, contact Public Works by emailing Utilities or call 281-420-5300.