Lead Service Lines in Athens, AL
What we know about lead pipes in Athens
Athens is served by two water systems that together reach 134,331 people. Neither system has reported any known lead service lines in their current inventories.
However, "no known lead" doesn't mean there are none. Many water systems across the US are still completing their lead service line inventories—it's a multi-year process required by the EPA. Your home may have a lead service line even if your water system hasn't found it yet.
The two water systems serving Athens
Limestone County Water & Sewer Authority serves about 90,900 residents. The Water Works Board of the City of Athens serves about 43,431 residents. Both utilities are responsible for mapping their service lines and sharing results publicly.
How to find out if your home has a lead service line
Your water utility has records of what material your service line is made from. This is the pipe that connects your home to the water main in the street.
Contact your water system directly:
- Limestone County Water & Sewer Authority: Check their website or call to ask about your property's service line material.
- The Water Works Board of the City of Athens: Same approach—they can tell you what they have on file.
If they can't tell you, or if your home was built before the 1980s, there's a real chance your service line could be lead.
If you suspect lead in your water
You can get your water tested. The EPA and CDC recommend testing water at the tap where you drink or cook. Some utilities offer free testing; others don't. Ask your water system about their testing program.
If testing shows lead above 15 parts per billion (ppb), the EPA requires your utility to take action. But even lower levels are worth taking seriously—the CDC recommends testing if you have young children or pregnant women in your home.
Next steps for residents
- Contact your water utility (see above) and ask: "Does my service line contain lead?"
- If they don't know, ask if they have a timeline for finishing their lead inventory.
- Consider getting your water tested if you have young children, are pregnant, or live in an older home.
- Visit the EPA's lead page for more information on testing and reducing exposure.
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