Lead Service Lines in Barrow
What You Need to Know
Barrow Utilities & Electric Coop. serves about 4,900 people in Barrow, Alaska. Like all water systems in the US, the utility is required to maintain an inventory of lead service lines—the pipes that connect homes to the water main.
Right now, the utility has not yet completed or made public a full count of lead service lines in the system. This doesn't mean there are no lead pipes; it means the inventory work is still underway or the results haven't been shared publicly yet.
Why This Matters
Lead service lines are one of the most direct sources of lead in drinking water. When water sits in these pipes—especially if it's corrosive or not treated with corrosion control—lead can leach into your tap water. Exposure to lead over time can affect health, particularly for young children and pregnant people.
The good news: lead in water is preventable. Knowing whether your home has a lead service line is the first step.
What Barrow Utilities Should Tell You
By law, water systems must either:
- Complete and share their lead service line inventory, or
- Publish a plan showing when the inventory will be done
Contact Barrow Utilities & Electric Coop. directly to ask:
- Does my address have a lead service line?
- When will the full inventory be public?
- What is the utility doing to reduce lead in the meantime (like adding corrosion control)?
If the utility hasn't finished the inventory, ask when they expect to complete it and whether you can request an individual property check.
Next Steps for Residents
- Call your utility and ask about lead service lines at your address. Have your account number or street address ready.
- Test your water if you're concerned about lead. Barrow Utilities can tell you how to request a free or low-cost test.
- Use cold water for drinking and cooking while you wait for answers. Run the tap for 30 seconds before filling glasses if water has been sitting overnight.
- Contact the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation if the utility doesn't respond to your questions about inventory status.
---
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 in Barrow has a lead service line?
Contact Barrow Utilities & Electric Coop. directly with your address and ask them to check their inventory. They are required to track which homes have lead lines. If they haven't completed the inventory yet, ask when it will be done and if they can check your property individually.
Is lead in Barrow water a big problem right now?
The utility hasn't released a complete count yet, so it's unclear how many lead lines exist in the system. Even one lead service line can be a risk, especially for children. Testing your water and contacting your utility are the best ways to find out your specific situation.
What should I do if I think my water has lead?
First, contact Barrow Utilities to report concerns and request a water test. You can also have water tested independently through a certified lab. For health concerns, talk to your doctor or call the CDC's lead hotline at 1-800-CDC-INFO.
Can lead service lines be replaced?
Yes. Replacement is often expensive, but some utilities offer assistance programs. Ask Barrow Utilities about any lead line replacement programs, rebates, or low-interest loans they may offer. Federal funding has also become available for lead pipe replacement in recent years.