Does Canton Georgia have lead in the water?

Canton's four water systems have not reported known lead service lines. However, inventories are still being completed nationwide, and older homes may have lead pipes or solder. Contact your utility or request a water test to know your home's status.

How do I know if my house has a lead service line?

Call your water utility and ask whether your address is documented in their lead service line inventory. Homes built before 1986 are at higher risk. A water test is the only way to know if lead is actually entering your home.

Is it safe to drink tap water in Canton GA?

Most of Canton's tap water is safe. To know your specific situation, request a free water test from your utility. If lead is detected, steps like flushing the tap and using filters can reduce exposure.

What should I do if lead is found in my water?

Contact your pediatrician or doctor for guidance based on your household's health status. Common steps include flushing taps before use, installing a filter, or using bottled water for drinking and cooking.

Lead Service Lines in Canton, GA

Canton's water systems serve about 241,537 residents across four separate utilities. The largest—Cherokee County—supplies water to roughly 224,427 people in the area.

What we know about lead service lines in Canton

Currently, none of the four water systems serving Canton have reported known lead service lines in their inventories. However, this doesn't mean lead pipes definitely aren't present. Lead service line inventories are still being developed across the country, and some water systems may not yet have complete records of every pipe connecting homes to the main water line.

If your home was built before 1986 (when lead solder was banned) or before the 1980s (when lead pipes became less common), there's a higher chance your service line contains lead. Even newer homes can occasionally have lead pipes.

Who supplies your water?

Your utility depends on where you live in Canton:

Cherokee County serves the majority of the area
City of Canton serves parts of the city proper
Cherokee County-Salacoa Area and Hembree Water serve smaller populations

The utility you're connected to determines which inventory to check and who to contact with questions about your specific property.

How to find out if you have a lead service line

1. Contact your water utility directly. They can tell you whether your service line is known to contain lead, or whether your address falls in a high-risk zone for lead pipes. 2. Check your home's age. Houses built before 1986 are more likely to have lead service lines, solder, or other lead-containing plumbing materials. 3. Request a water test. Most utilities offer free or low-cost testing kits. A lab test is the only way to know for certain if lead is present in your drinking water.

If lead is detected

The CDC recommends that families with young children or pregnant members take results seriously. A pediatrician or your doctor can advise on next steps based on test results. Some families choose to install filters, use bottled water for drinking and cooking, or flush the tap before use.

Next steps for residents

Call your water utility to ask whether your address is in a lead service line inventory or a high-risk area.
Request a free water test kit if available through your utility.
Flush your tap for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking if you haven't used it in several hours.
Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about lead exposure, especially for children under six.

Lead service lines in Canton, GA