Lead Service Line Information for GOLDEN HEART UTILITIES
What we know about lead service lines in your water system
GOLDEN HEART UTILITIES serves approximately 78,324 people in Alaska. The utility draws water from groundwater sources.
As of now, the utility has not completed a public inventory of lead service lines. This means we don't have confirmed counts of how many lead pipes connect homes to the water main in this service area. That's not unusual—many utilities nationwide are still in the early stages of mapping their lead service lines, which is a large and expensive undertaking.
Why this matters
A lead service line is a pipe made of lead that can leach lead into drinking water, especially in homes with corrosive water or older plumbing. Lead exposure, particularly for children and pregnant people, poses real health risks. The federal Safe Drinking Water Act now requires all water systems to create and share lead service line inventories by 2024.
What happens next
GOLDEN HEART UTILITIES is required by federal law to develop a lead service line inventory and make it available to the public. Until that inventory is complete, you won't know for certain whether your home has a lead service line just by contacting the utility—though they may be able to tell you based on your address and the age of your neighborhood.
If you're concerned about lead in your water, the safest immediate steps are:
- Have your water tested for lead at no cost (most states offer free or low-cost testing through their health department).
- Ask your utility if they have any information about your specific address, even if the full inventory isn't public yet.
- Use a point-of-use filter certified for lead removal (NSF/ANSI Standard 53) while awaiting more information.
For health questions about lead exposure, contact your pediatrician or the CDC.
Next steps for residents
- Contact GOLDEN HEART UTILITIES directly to ask if they have records for your address or can advise you on lead risk in your neighborhood.
- Request a free lead water test through the Alaska Department of Health & Social Services.
- Check the utility's website or call to find out the expected timeline for their lead service line inventory.
- If you suspect a lead service line, consult a licensed plumber about testing or replacement options.
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 home has a lead service line?
A licensed plumber can inspect the pipe entering your home, though it may be buried. You can also contact GOLDEN HEART UTILITIES with your address to ask if they have records. Until the utility's full inventory is public, a free water test is the fastest way to check if lead is actually in your water.
Is lead in the water dangerous?
Lead can leach from pipes into drinking water and poses real health risks, especially for children under 6 and pregnant people. Talk to your pediatrician or doctor about testing and prevention. The CDC has detailed information on lead health effects.
What can I do right now while waiting for the inventory?
Get your water tested for free or low-cost through your state health department, use an NSF 53-certified filter, and flush your tap for 30 seconds before drinking if your home sits unused for hours. Contact your utility to ask about lead risk in your specific area.
When will GOLDEN HEART UTILITIES have a lead service line inventory?
Federal law requires all utilities to complete and publicly share lead service line inventories by 2024. Contact the utility directly for their timeline and ask how to access the inventory once it's available.