Lead Service Lines in West Lauderdale County Water & FPA
West Lauderdale County Water & FPA serves approximately 15,681 residents in Alabama. The utility draws its water from surface sources like rivers or lakes.
What you need to know about lead service lines
A lead service line is the pipe that connects your home to the public water main under the street. If your home was built before 1986, there's a higher chance your service line contains lead. Lead can leach into drinking water, especially if the water is corrosive or if the line is old.
West Lauderdale County Water & FPA has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines in its system. This means the utility is still in the process of documenting which homes have lead pipes and which do not.
What this means for you
Until an inventory is complete, you won't know for certain whether your service line contains lead just by checking a utility map. However, you have options:
- Get your water tested: You can have your water tested for lead by a certified lab. The utility can tell you where to find approved testing services.
- Know your home's age: Homes built before 1986 are at higher risk. If you live in an older home, it's especially worth testing.
- Install a filter: If you're concerned, a certified lead filter on your kitchen tap can reduce lead in your drinking water while you wait for more information.
Next steps for residents
- Contact the utility at West Lauderdale County Water & FPA to ask when their lead service line inventory will be complete and to request information about testing your water.
- Have your water tested by a certified laboratory to know your home's lead level.
- Ask about replacement programs: Federal funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law may help pay for lead service line replacement in your area. Your utility can explain whether you qualify.
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Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does West Lauderdale County Water have lead in the water?
The utility is still completing its inventory of lead service lines. Testing your own water is the most direct way to know if lead is present in your home. Contact the utility for information on certified testing labs.
What year were lead service lines banned?
The federal ban on lead solder in plumbing began in 1986. Homes built before that date are more likely to have lead pipes, though not all do.
How much does it cost to replace a lead service line?
Replacement costs vary, but the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides federal funding to help. Contact West Lauderdale County Water & FPA to ask about assistance programs you may qualify for.
Is it safe to drink water from a lead service line?
Lead levels depend on your water's chemistry and your pipe's age. The only way to know is testing. If concerned, use a certified lead filter on your tap and have your water tested.