As part of new guidelines from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Desert Water Agency (DWA) completed an inventory of its water service line materials to check for lead pipes.
DWA confirmed that its distribution system does not have any lead pipes.
Lead can be found in a variety of sources, such as paint, soil, consumer products and even water. Some water pipes, faucets and plumbing fixtures may contain lead that can contaminate drinking water. Touching, swallowing or breathing lead or lead dust can cause dangerous health complications.
Ensuring a safe and reliable water supply is a top priority at DWA. We conducted a rigorous process to survey and test our pipelines for lead. DWA reviewed historical records, plumbing codes and other sources of information and sent employees into the field to inspect and identify the material of our service lines and those of our customers. Following this method allowed us to verify that our water distribution system does not contain lead pipes.
Overall, California tends to have fewer lead pipes compared to other parts of the country because the state banned the use of lead pipes in public water systems after 1985. Many counties and cities in the state adopted ordinances even earlier than that. 
DWA submitted its initial inventory report, as required, to the California State Water Resources Control Board on Oct. 16, 2024.
For more information about lead and DWA’s service line inventory, click here. Customers can also find an interactive map to type in an address to see more detailed information.
Additional Resources
DWA Written Plan for Development of a Lead Service Line Inventory as Required by the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions