BESSEMER WATER SERVICE Lead Service Line Inventory
What you need to know
Bessemer Water Service serves approximately 86,091 people in Alabama. The utility draws water from surface sources (lakes or rivers), which is then treated before reaching your home.
As of now, Bessemer Water Service has not yet inventoried their lead service lines—the pipes that carry water from the main water line on the street into your home. This means the utility does not have a publicly available count of how many lead lines exist in their system, or which addresses have them.
Why this matters
Lead service lines are a significant source of lead contamination in drinking water. If your home was built before the 1980s, or if you live in an older neighborhood, your service line is more likely to be lead. Even if your water treatment is excellent, a lead service line can leach lead into your water—especially in homes with acidic water or new plumbing work.
What's happening now
The Safe Drinking Water Act requires water utilities to complete lead service line inventories by October 2024. If Bessemer Water Service has not yet published their inventory, they are required to do so. An inventory doesn't mean the problem is solved, but it's the first step toward identifying which homes need action.
Getting your home tested
You don't have to wait for the utility's inventory. You can:
- Ask your utility directly whether your address has a lead service line (call Bessemer Water Service and ask about your property)
- Hire a plumber to inspect your service line (costs vary, typically $100–$300)
- Test your water for lead using a certified lab (your utility can recommend one, or contact the Alabama Department of Public Health)
If you have young children or are pregnant, testing is especially important—lead exposure poses serious health risks to developing brains.
Next steps for residents
- Contact Bessemer Water Service and ask for their lead service line inventory or request information about your specific address
- Get your water tested if you're concerned—the results will tell you if lead is present in your home's water
- Check the age of your home and neighborhood; homes built before 1980 are at higher risk
- Call the Alabama Department of Public Health (334-206-5364) or the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791) if you need help understanding your 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 house has a lead service line?
Contact Bessemer Water Service and ask about your address, or hire a plumber to inspect it. The utility may have records from when your line was installed. Testing your water will tell you if lead is actually entering your home, even if the line is lead.
Is lead in water dangerous?
Yes—lead accumulates in the body over time and is especially harmful to young children and pregnant people. Contact your pediatrician or the CDC website for health concerns.
Can I remove a lead service line myself?
No. Lead line replacement requires a licensed plumber and may require permits. Contact Bessemer Water Service to ask if they offer replacement programs or financial assistance.
What can I do right now if I'm worried?
Test your water through a certified lab, use a water filter certified for lead reduction, and avoid hot tap water for drinking or cooking (hot water leaches more lead). Ask your utility about any lead reduction programs.