Lead Service Lines in Jefferson, LA
What you need to know
Jefferson Parish has two water systems serving about 415,000 people. Currently, no lead service lines have been confirmed in either system, according to available inventory data. However, both utilities—East Jefferson WW District 1 and West Jefferson WW District 2—are still in the process of mapping their service lines, so the full picture may not yet be complete.
A lead service line is a pipe made of lead that connects your home to the water main under the street. These lines were commonly installed before 1986 and can leach lead into drinking water, especially if the water is corrosive. Even if your line hasn't been identified yet, it's worth taking steps to protect your family while inventories are being completed.
The two water systems in Jefferson
East Jefferson WW District 1 (PWSID: LA1051001) serves approximately 275,000 residents.
West Jefferson WW District 2 (PWSID: LA1051004) serves approximately 140,000 residents.
Both districts are required by federal law to identify and report lead service lines. If they discover any during their inventories, they must notify customers and develop a plan to replace them.
What to do right now
Even without confirmed lead service lines in your area, water quality testing is a practical step. Lead is odorless and colorless, so you can't detect it without a test.
- Test your tap water if you have young children, are pregnant, or are concerned about lead exposure. Contact your local health department or water utility for a low-cost or free test kit.
- Use cold water for drinking and cooking. Hot water leaches lead more readily from pipes.
- Let water run for 30 seconds to 2 minutes after turning on a tap you haven't used in 6+ hours, especially before drinking or cooking.
- Check your bill or the utility website for their latest lead and copper rule report (required annually).
Next steps for residents
- Contact your water utility to ask if your street or address has been surveyed for service line material.
- Request a free water test if available in your parish.
- Ask about lead line replacement programs or financial assistance if a lead service line is found at your home.
- Visit the EPA's lead in drinking water resource page for more information.