Lead Service Lines in Mobile, AL
Mobile's water systems serve about 279,250 people through two utilities. The City of Mobile Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners supplies the vast majority of residents, while Magnolia Point serves a small community of roughly 250 people.
What we know about lead in Mobile's water system
Lead service lines are pipes that connect water mains in the street to homes. They can leach lead into drinking water, especially in older homes and when water is corrosive.
Currently, neither of Mobile's water systems has reported the total number of lead service lines in their inventories to the public. This doesn't mean lead service lines don't exist—it means the data hasn't been shared yet. Many older systems nationwide are still conducting surveys or haven't yet published their findings.
What you can do now
Contact your water utility directly. They may have inventory data that hasn't been published online yet. Ask specifically:
- Does my address have a lead service line?
- What year was my home built? (Homes built before 1986 are at higher risk.)
- Has the utility tested water at my meter?
Get your water tested. A simple test costs $20–$50 and tells you if lead is actually present in your home's water. Even homes with lead service lines sometimes have safe lead levels. Contact the Mobile County Health Department or ask your utility for a list of certified labs.
Consider a filter if you're concerned. NSF-certified filters marked for lead reduction can lower levels while you wait for infrastructure changes. Replace filters according to the manufacturer's schedule.
If you have children under 6 or are pregnant, talk to your pediatrician or OB-GYN about testing. The CDC has guidance on lead and health at cdc.gov/nceh/lead.
Next steps for residents
- Call the City of Mobile Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners and ask if they have a lead service line inventory for your address
- Request a water test from a certified lab or through your utility
- Check your home's age and construction records (pre-1986 homes are higher risk)
- Visit the EPA's lead in water page for more information