KETCHIKAN PUBLIC UTILITIES Lead Service Line Inventory
What you need to know
Ketchikan Public Utilities serves approximately 8,937 people in Ketchikan, Alaska. The utility draws water from surface sources.
Lead service line inventory status: Not yet completed. As of now, the utility has not reported an inventory count of lead service lines (LSLs) to the state. This does not mean lead is absent—it means the systematic survey required under federal law has not yet been finalized or reported.
Why this matters
Lead service lines are pipes that connect your home to the public water main. If your home was built before 1986, there is a meaningful chance your service line contains lead. Lead in drinking water is a serious public health concern, especially for young children and pregnant people.
The Lead and Copper Rule requires all US water systems to inventory their lead service lines by October 2024 (with some extensions possible). Ketchikan Public Utilities is working toward compliance, though the results are not yet public.
What you can do now
Contact your water utility directly to ask about your specific address:
- Ask whether your service line has been tested or inspected
- Request any water quality testing results for your home
- Ask when the utility's full LSL inventory will be publicly available
Have your water tested. If your home is older or you want certainty, you can request a free or low-cost test through the utility or a local health department. Testing takes a few days and costs little to nothing.
If you find lead. The most effective solution is replacement of the service line. Your utility may offer cost-sharing programs or rebates (check with them directly). Short-term steps like flushing water before use, using cold water for cooking, and installing a certified filter can reduce exposure while you plan replacement.
For health concerns, contact your doctor or the CDC's drinking water hotline. Do not rely on the internet for medical advice about lead exposure.
Next steps for residents
- Contact Ketchikan Public Utilities and ask the status of lead testing and service line inventories at your address
- Request a free water test if available through the utility
- If your home was built before 1986, plan a conversation with your utility about replacement options and costs
- Monitor the utility's website for updates on the complete LSL inventory
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Ketchikan Public Utilities have lead in the water?
The utility has not yet released a complete inventory of lead service lines, so the full picture is unclear. Lead could be present in some service lines but absent in others. Contact the utility to ask about your specific address.
How can I tell if my service line is lead?
Homes built before 1986 in the US are more likely to have lead lines. A technician can inspect your line visually or take a sample. Contact Ketchikan Public Utilities to ask about inspection or testing options.
Is it safe to drink the water now?
If you are concerned, you can request a water test or use a certified lead filter until you learn more about your specific service line. For medical concerns, consult your doctor or pediatrician.
What is Ketchikan Public Utilities doing about lead service lines?
The utility is required by federal law to complete and report a full LSL inventory. Check with the utility directly for their timeline and any programs to help residents replace lead lines.