Lead Service Lines in College Utilities Corporation Water System
College Utilities Corporation serves approximately 27,000 people in Alaska (PWSID: AK2310900). If you're concerned about lead in your drinking water, here's what you need to know about this water system.
What is a lead service line?
A lead service line is the pipe that connects your home to the public water main. If your home was built before the 1980s, there's a chance your service line contains lead. Water sitting in a lead pipe can pick up lead, especially if your water is acidic or corrosive. Lead exposure, especially for young children and pregnant people, can cause serious health problems.
What does College Utilities Corporation know about lead?
The utility has not yet reported detailed results from a lead service line inventory to public databases. This doesn't necessarily mean there's a problem—it may mean the inventory work is still in progress. Federal law requires all water systems to complete a lead service line inventory by October 2024, so utilities across the country are working through this process.
The water system draws from groundwater sources, which may have different lead risks than surface water systems.
How can you find out if you have a lead service line?
Contact College Utilities Corporation directly. Ask them:
- Does my address have a lead service line?
- What is the material of the service line on the public side (the utility's responsibility)?
- What should I do to test the private side (my responsibility)?
You can also have a plumber or the utility inspect the exposed portion of your service line where it enters your home.
What should you do right now?
Even without a confirmed lead service line, the EPA recommends flushing your tap before using water for drinking or cooking if the water has been sitting in pipes for more than 6 hours. Run cold water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Use cold water for drinking and cooking—hot water dissolves lead faster.
If you have young children or are pregnant, ask your doctor or local health department about blood lead testing. Contact your pediatrician for guidance specific to your family.
Next steps for residents
- Contact the utility at College Utilities Corporation to ask about your specific address and service line material.
- Request the inventory when it's complete, or ask when results will be available.
- Flush your tap before drinking if water has sat unused for hours.
- Talk to your doctor if you're concerned about lead exposure, especially if there are young children in your home.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does College Utilities Corporation have lead service lines?
College Utilities Corporation has not yet published detailed inventory results. Federal law requires utilities to complete lead service line inventories by October 2024, so the work may still be in progress. Contact the utility directly to ask about your address.
How do I know if my home has a lead service line?
Call College Utilities Corporation and ask about the service line material at your address. You can also look where the water line enters your home—lead is soft and gray, while copper is reddish and plastic is white or gray. A plumber can help inspect if you're unsure.
Is lead in water dangerous?
Lead in drinking water is a health concern, especially for young children, pregnant people, and nursing mothers. For questions about your family's health risk, contact the CDC or your pediatrician. They can advise you on testing and protection steps.
What should I do if I think I'm exposed to lead?
Flush your cold-water tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking, especially if water has sat unused for hours. Talk to your doctor about whether blood lead testing makes sense for your household.