Lead Service Lines in Alabama
What you need to know
Alabama's 626 water systems serve about 6.3 million people. As of now, the state has not reported confirmed lead service lines to federal regulators—but that doesn't mean your home is lead-free. It means either utilities haven't completed inventories yet, or their records are incomplete.
Lead service lines are pipes made of lead that connect the water main in the street to your home. Lead can leach into your water, especially if the water is acidic or if pipes are corroded. The only way to know for sure is testing and documentation.
Why inventory matters
Federal law now requires all water utilities to map their service lines by 2024 and identify which ones contain lead. This is a major change—many utilities have records from decades ago that are vague or missing. An inventory tells you whether your home has a lead line, a galvanized line (which may also contain lead), or a safe material like copper or plastic.
What to do now
Contact your water utility directly. Ask:
- Do you have a completed lead service line inventory?
- What material is the service line to my address?
- If they don't know, ask when they'll have that information.
The largest utilities serving Alabama are:
- Central Alabama Water System (585,000 people)
- Huntsville Utilities Water Dept. (310,107 people)
- Mobile Board of Water & Sewer (279,000 people)
- Montgomery Water, Wastewater & Stormwater (276,000 people)
- Tuscaloosa Water & Sewer (166,524 people)
If you're on a smaller system, find your utility on this directory and request the same information.
Testing your water
If your utility can't confirm the material, have your water tested for lead. A certified lab costs $20–50. Your utility may offer free testing—ask first. For health concerns, contact your pediatrician or the CDC.
Next steps for residents
- Contact your water utility and ask about your service line material.
- Request a free or low-cost water test if your utility offers one.
- If a lead line is confirmed, ask your utility about replacement programs or funding.
- Keep records of any responses from your utility.