Lead Service Lines in Jonesboro, AR
What you need to know
Jonesboro's water system serves about 80,261 people. The city has 5 public water systems on record, with Jonesboro Water System serving the vast majority of residents.
Lead enters drinking water through pipes. The most common culprit is a lead service line—the pipe connecting your home to the water main under the street. If your home was built before 1986, there's a higher chance your service line contains lead. Homes built after 1988 are very unlikely to have lead service lines, since the Safe Drinking Water Act banned them nationally that year.
Current inventory status
The Jonesboro Water System has not yet reported specific counts of lead service lines to the EPA. This doesn't mean your water is unsafe—it means the inventory is still being developed. Under the Lead and Copper Rule, all water utilities must identify and map their lead service lines by 2024 (with some extensions available).
What to do now
Contact your water utility directly. Call Jonesboro Water System and ask:
- Do you have a lead service line inventory published yet?
- Has your property been surveyed or inspected?
- What's your timeline for completing the full inventory?
They can tell you whether your specific address has a known lead service line, galvanized steel pipe, or confirmed safe materials.
If you're concerned about your water
You don't need to wait for an inventory to take action. Here's what helps:
- Flush your tap before drinking or cooking. Let cold water run 30 seconds to 2 minutes (longer if you haven't used it in 6+ hours).
- Use cold water for drinking and cooking. Hot water leaches lead faster.
- Test your water. Your utility can recommend a certified lab, or contact the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality.
If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your pediatrician or doctor about testing. The CDC has guidance on lead exposure and health.
Next steps for residents
- Contact Jonesboro Water System to ask about lead service line inventory status
- Request information about your specific property's service line material
- Consider getting your water tested by a certified lab
- If you have a known lead service line, discuss replacement options with your utility (many have cost-sharing programs)