Virginia Beach Public Utilities has operated a lead sampling program since 1992, and Virginia Beach’s public water supply has always been in compliance with state and federal water quality standards.

Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups. Infants and children can have decreases in IQ and attention span. Lead exposure can lead to new learning and behavior problems or worsen existing learning and behavior problems.

The children of women who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy can have increased risk of these negative health effects. Adults can have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, and kidney, or nervous system problems.

Lead in drinking water comes primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. Virginia Beach Public Utilities is responsible for providing high quality drinking water and removing lead pipes, but cannot control the variety of materials used in a property’s internal plumbing.

Property owners are encouraged to identify and remove any lead materials within their property’s internal plumbing and take steps to reduce the risk of lead exposure if present.

Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available on the EPA's website.