JBER-ELMENDORF Lead Service Line Inventory
What we know about lead pipes in JBER-ELMENDORF's water system
JBER-ELMENDORF serves about 30,000 people in Alaska. The water system draws from surface water sources.
Current inventory status: As of now, JBER-ELMENDORF has not completed a public inventory of lead service lines in its distribution system. This means the utility hasn't yet published a count of how many pipes delivering water to homes contain lead.
Why this matters
A lead service line is the pipe that runs from the water main (under the street) to your home. If your line is made of lead, drinking water can pick up lead as it travels through the pipe—especially in older homes or after water sits overnight.
Lead exposure is a real health concern, particularly for children and pregnant people. Even small amounts matter. Your water system's inventory is your first tool for finding out whether your home's service line is at risk.
What JBER-ELMENDORF should do next
Under federal law, water systems must complete and maintain a lead service line inventory. If your utility hasn't finished this work, you have the right to ask when it will be done.
Next steps for residents
- Contact JBER-ELMENDORF directly. Ask whether your address has a known lead service line, and request a timeline for completing the full inventory. You can also ask if they have maps or records from when your home was connected.
- Get your water tested. Even without knowing your line material, you can have your water tested for lead. Contact your local health department for a list of certified labs, or ask your utility for testing resources.
- Know your home's age. Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead service lines. Homes built after 2000 almost never do.
- Check for free or low-cost filters. Some states and utilities offer point-of-use filters that reduce lead in drinking water while you wait for pipe replacement.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Contact JBER-ELMENDORF and ask about your address specifically. You can also look at your home's construction records or plumbing permits, which often list the service line material. A plumber can also inspect the line where it enters your home.
Is my water safe to drink?
The only way to know if lead is in your water is to test it. Contact your water utility or local health department to arrange a test—many offer free or low-cost options. In the meantime, you can use a filter certified to reduce lead.
What should I do if my service line is lead?
Contact JBER-ELMENDORF to ask about replacement programs or funding. Some utilities help pay for line replacement. Temporary steps include flushing the line before drinking, using a certified lead filter, or drinking bottled water.
When will JBER-ELMENDORF finish its lead inventory?
Contact the utility directly to ask for a completion date. Federal law requires systems to have an inventory, and many are still working to finish theirs.