OPELIKA, WW BD. OF THE CITY OF — Lead Service Line Inventory
The Opelika Water Works Board serves approximately 45,621 people in Opelika, Alabama. Like all public water systems, they are required to maintain an inventory of lead service lines—the pipes that may connect the main water line under the street to your home.
What we know about Opelika's lead pipes
As of now, this water system has not yet published a lead service line inventory that is publicly available through our database. This doesn't mean there are no lead service lines in the system—it means the utility has not yet completed or shared this information online.
The federal Safe Drinking Water Act requires all water utilities to identify and report lead service lines in their systems. Many utilities across the country are still working through this process, especially smaller systems.
What this means for you
If you live in Opelika and want to know whether your home has a lead service line, you have several options:
Contact your water utility directly. The Opelika Water Works Board can tell you what they know about your specific address. They may have records from historical construction documents or previous water work on your street.
Get your water tested. Even if you don't know whether you have a lead service line, a simple water test can tell you if lead is present in your tap water. Your utility can provide information on how to request a free or low-cost lead test. The EPA recommends testing if you have a service line that may be lead, or if your home was built before 1986.
Check for visual clues. Lead service lines are typically dull gray in color and leave a dark mark if scratched. However, not all gray pipes are lead, and some lead pipes are painted. A water professional can confirm what type of pipe you have.
If lead is found
If a lead service line is identified at your property, the utility should be able to explain replacement options and costs. Some utilities offer assistance programs. In the meantime, running water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before use (especially for drinking or cooking) and using cold water can reduce exposure.
For health concerns, contact your doctor or the CDC.
Next steps for residents
- Call the Opelika Water Works Board and ask about the lead service line inventory for your address
- Request a water test if you're concerned about lead levels in your tap water
- Ask about replacement programs if a lead line is found at your home
- Visit the EPA's lead and copper rule page for additional testing and safety information
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 I have a lead service line in Opelika?
Contact the Opelika Water Works Board directly with your address—they can check their records. You can also request a free water test through your utility to measure lead levels in your tap water.
Is lead in drinking water dangerous?
Lead exposure can cause serious health effects, especially in children. For specific health concerns, contact your pediatrician or the CDC. You can reduce exposure by flushing your tap and using cold water for drinking and cooking.
Does Opelika water system have lead pipes?
The utility has not yet published a public lead service line inventory. Contact them directly to find out if your home's service line is lead, or request a water test to check for lead in your tap water.
What should I do if my home has a lead service line?
Contact the Opelika Water Works Board to ask about replacement options, costs, and any assistance programs they may offer. In the meantime, flush your tap before using water for drinking or cooking.