Lead Service Lines in Decatur, AL
Decatur's water systems serve about 107,000 people through two utilities. Here's what you need to know about lead service lines in your area.
What we know about lead pipes in Decatur
Two water systems serve Decatur: the Decatur Municipal Utilities Board (serving about 77,000 people) and the West Morgan-East Lawrence Water & Sewer Authority (serving about 30,000 people). Neither system has reported confirmed lead service lines in their most recent inventory data available to us.
This doesn't mean there are zero lead pipes—it means either no lead service lines have been documented, or the systems haven't completed a full inventory yet. Lead pipes are most common in homes built before 1986, particularly in older neighborhoods.
How to find out if your home has a lead service line
Your water utility keeps records of what connects your home to the main water line. This is the fastest way to know for sure:
1. Contact your water utility. Call Decatur Municipal Utilities Board or West Morgan-East Lawrence W&S Authority and ask about your service line material. Have your address ready. 2. Check your property records. Some utilities or county records offices have maps or documents showing pipe materials installed on your street. 3. Look at your meter or pipes. If you can access where the water line enters your home, lead pipes are dull gray, soft enough to scratch with a coin, and leave a gray mark when scratched. Copper is reddish; PVC is white or gray plastic.
If your home has a lead service line
Lead pipes don't automatically mean contaminated water—water quality depends on chemistry and treatment. However, the safest approach is to reduce exposure:
- Use cold water for drinking and cooking (hot water leaches more lead from pipes).
- Let water run for 30 seconds before using it, especially after periods of non-use.
- Consider a certified lead-reducing filter if you want extra protection.
- Have your water tested if you're concerned; contact your utility for lab recommendations.
If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your pediatrician or doctor about your specific situation.
Next steps for residents
- Contact your utility to ask about your service line material and request a copy of their lead service line inventory.
- Check your home's age — if it was built before 1986, lead pipes are more likely.
- Get your water tested if you want confirmation of lead levels; your utility can recommend a certified lab.
- Visit the EPA's lead in water page for more detailed guidance on testing and treatment options.
```json [ { "q": "How do I know if my house in Decatur has a lead service line?", "a": "Contact your water utility (Decatur Municipal Utilities Board or West Morgan-East Lawrence W&S Authority) with your address and ask directly about your service line material. You can also ask if they have a map or inventory showing what's installed on your street." }, { "q": "Is the water in Decatur, AL safe to drink?", "a": "Both Decatur utilities test water regularly and publish water quality reports. Lead in drinking water typically comes from the pipes in your home, not from the treatment plant. You can ask your utility for their latest water quality report or get your water tested through a certified lab." }, { "q": "What should I do if my home has a lead service line?", "a": "Use cold water for drinking and cooking, run water for 30 seconds after it's been sitting, and consider a certified lead-reducing filter. If you have young children or are pregnant, discuss your water with your doctor or pediatrician." }, { "q": "When does Decatur replace lead service lines?", "a": "Contact your water utility directly to ask about their replacement program and timeline. Replacement policies vary, and they can tell you