Lead Service Lines in Chesterfield, MO
What you need to know
Chesterfield is served by 5 water systems, with Missouri American (St. Louis/St. Charles Counties) providing water to about 1.1 million people in the area. Lead service lines—the pipes that connect the water main to your home—are a potential source of lead in drinking water, especially in older homes or during water system repairs.
The good news: no known lead service lines have been identified in any of Chesterfield's water systems. However, "unknown" status doesn't mean your service line is safe—it means the utility hasn't yet surveyed or disclosed the information. Many utilities across the US are still in the process of mapping their service lines.
Why this matters for your home
Lead in drinking water poses real health risks, especially for children under 6 and pregnant people. Even low levels can affect brain development and learning. If your home was built before 1986 (when lead pipes were phased out), there's a higher chance you have a lead service line or galvanized steel pipes that can leach lead.
The EPA requires water systems to test water at homes and to maintain inventories of service line materials. Your utility should have this information available, even if it's incomplete.
How to find out about your home
Contact the water utility that serves your address. For Chesterfield, that's most likely Missouri American (St. Louis/St. Charles Counties). Ask:
- What material is the service line to your home?
- Has your water been tested for lead?
- Where can you find the utility's lead service line inventory?
If you rent, contact your landlord or property manager first—they're responsible for fixing lead problems.
Testing your water
If you're concerned about lead in your tap water, the EPA recommends testing. Some utilities offer free testing; others charge a small fee. A certified lab can tell you if lead is present. If results are high (above 15 ppb), run your cold water tap for 30 seconds before using it, and use cold water for drinking and cooking.
Next steps for residents
- Contact your water utility (Missouri American or whichever serves your address) and ask for a copy of their lead service line inventory.
- Request a water test if your home was built before 1986.
- Learn your home's age and pipe material from your property records or a home inspection.
- Check the CDC website for health guidance on lead exposure, especially if you have young children.
```json [ { "q": "Does Chesterfield have lead service lines?", "a": "No known lead service lines have been identified in Chesterfield's water systems. However, utilities are still surveying older neighborhoods, so some pipes may not yet be classified. Contact your water utility to find out what material your service line is made of." }, { "q": "How do I know if my home has a lead service line?", "a": "Call your water utility and ask about the material of the service line to your address. You can also check your home's age (homes built before 1986 are at higher risk) and look at the pipe visible in your basement or where it enters the house—lead is soft, gray, and dents easily with a screwdriver." }, { "q": "Should I test my water for lead?", "a": "Yes, especially if your home is older, your service line is unknown, or you have young children or pregnant household members. Many utilities offer free or low-cost testing. Contact Missouri American or your local water provider for details." }, { "q": "What should I do if my water tests high for lead?", "a": "Use cold tap water for drinking and cooking, and run the tap for 30 seconds before each use. Contact your water utility about replacement options. For health concerns, speak with your doctor or call the CDC's lead hotline