Lead Service Lines in Morrow, GA
Morrow's water system serves about 298,000 people through Clayton County Water Authority. If you're wondering whether lead service lines might be in your neighborhood, here's what you need to know.
What we know about lead service lines in Morrow
Clayton County Water Authority hasn't reported any known lead service lines to state regulators. However, "no reports" doesn't mean "none exist"—it means the utility either hasn't finished a full inventory, or hasn't found any yet.
Lead service lines are pipes that connect the water main under the street to your home. They were used widely before 1986, when federal rules restricted their installation. If your house was built or its water connection was installed before the late 1980s, there's a chance your service line could be lead.
Why this matters
Lead can leach into drinking water, especially from corrosion inside older pipes. For children and pregnant people, even low exposure can affect development. For adults, high exposure can raise blood pressure and affect the kidneys.
The good news: you can take steps right now to reduce your risk, whether or not you have a lead service line.
What you can do
Get your water tested. Contact Clayton County Water Authority and ask about free or low-cost testing kits. A basic lead test costs $25–$50 if you pay yourself, but many utilities offer them free.
Find out what you have. Call your water utility or the county health department and ask if they have records of your service line material. Some utilities have partial or full inventories already.
Use a water filter if you're concerned while you investigate. Look for NSF-certified filters labeled for lead reduction (not all filters remove lead).
Flush your lines before drinking. If water has sat in pipes for more than 6 hours, run the cold water for 30 seconds to a few minutes before drinking or cooking. This flushes out water that may have picked up lead from pipes.
Next steps for residents
- Contact Clayton County Water Authority at their customer service line to ask about lead service line records for your address and free testing options
- If your water tests positive for lead, ask the utility about replacement programs or rebates
- Visit the EPA's lead in drinking water page for more information on testing and treatment
- If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your pediatrician or doctor about your specific situation
```json [ { "q": "Does Morrow Georgia have lead in the water?", "a": "Clayton County Water Authority, which serves Morrow, hasn't reported known lead service lines. However, lead may still be present in individual homes, especially those built before the 1990s. The best way to know is to test your tap water." }, { "q": "How do I know if I have a lead service line?", "a": "Contact Clayton County Water Authority with your address—they may have records of your service line material. You can also ask a plumber to inspect, or the utility may offer inspection services. Lead pipes are typically dull gray and soft enough to scratch with a coin." }, { "q": "Is it safe to drink tap water in Morrow?", "a": "Clayton County Water Authority treats and tests water to meet EPA safety standards. However, lead can enter water through old pipes in individual homes. Testing your tap water is the most reliable way to know if lead is reaching your faucet." }, { "q": "What should I do if my water tests positive for lead?", "a": "First, flush your lines and retest to rule out corrosion in your own pipes. Contact your utility about lead service line replacement programs or financial assistance. Use a lead-reducing filter or drink bottled water while you resolve the issue, and consult your doctor if you have young children."