NOME JOINT UTILITY SYSTEM Lead Service Line Inventory
About this water system
NOME JOINT UTILITY SYSTEM serves approximately 3,920 people in Alaska. The system draws from groundwater sources.
Lead service line inventory status
As of now, NOME JOINT UTILITY SYSTEM has not published a public inventory of lead service lines. This means the utility has not yet completed or disclosed a count of how many homes are served by lead pipes.
Under the EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Revisions, water systems must identify and inventory lead service lines by October 2024. If your utility has not yet published this information, they may still be working on it—or you may need to contact them directly to ask for their findings.
What you should do
Contact your utility directly. They are required to have this information and should be able to tell you:
- Whether your specific address has a lead service line
- What testing and treatment they're doing to reduce lead exposure
- Whether they've received funding for replacements
You can also request their Lead and Copper Rule Compliance Report, which should include inventory details and any water quality testing results.
Understanding service lines
A lead service line is the pipe that connects your home to the water main under the street. It's different from pipes inside your house. Even if your service line is lead, your internal plumbing also matters—older fixtures and solder can contribute lead to your water.
If you're concerned about lead in your tap water, the safest step is to have your water tested. Many utilities offer free or low-cost testing kits. You can also purchase an EPA-approved test kit from a hardware store.
Next steps for residents
- Contact NOME JOINT UTILITY SYSTEM directly and ask for your lead service line status
- Request their most recent water quality testing results for lead
- Ask if they have a replacement program or funding available
- Consider having your tap water tested, especially if you have young children or are pregnant
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?
Your water utility can tell you based on their inventory records. You can also look at your water bill or call your utility's customer service—they'll know from their maps. If your home was built before the 1980s, there's a higher chance, but only your utility can confirm.
Is lead service line water safe to drink?
It depends on your water chemistry and how much lead is in your tap water. Some lead can leach from service lines into drinking water, especially in homes with acidic water or stagnant water that's been sitting in pipes. Have your water tested to know your actual level.
What should I do if my service line is lead?
Flush your tap for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking with cold water. Consider using a pitcher filter or point-of-use filter certified to remove lead. The long-term solution is replacement, which your utility may help fund—ask them about programs.
Does boiling water remove lead?
No. Boiling actually concentrates lead because water evaporates but lead doesn't. Use cold tap water for drinking and cooking, or use a lead-removing filter certified by NSF or WQA.