MADISON COUNTY WATER DEPARTMENT Lead Service Line Inventory
Madison County Water Department serves approximately 119,100 people across Alabama. Like water systems nationwide, the utility is required by federal law to identify and report on lead service lines—the pipes that may connect your home to the public water main.
What you need to know
A lead service line is a pipe made of lead or lead-lined materials that carries water from the public main into your home. Lead can leach into drinking water, especially in older homes or where water is corrosive. The EPA and CDC recommend testing if you live in an older home or have young children.
Madison County Water Department has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines in its system. This means the utility is still in the process of identifying which homes may have lead lines. No inventory data—including counts of lead, galvanized, or non-lead lines—has been made publicly available yet.
Why inventory matters
An inventory is the first step. Once a utility knows where lead lines are, it can:
- Notify affected residents
- Plan and fund replacements
- Provide guidance on testing and temporary protection
Federal funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is available to help utilities replace lead service lines at no cost to homeowners in many cases.
What to do now
Even without a completed inventory, you can take action:
Contact your utility directly. Ask Madison County Water Department whether your address has a known or suspected lead service line. Utilities often have partial records from previous work or water main repairs.
Get your water tested. A simple lead test ($20–50) tells you whether lead is in your tap water right now. Your utility can provide a list of certified labs, or contact your county health department.
Know your home's age. Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead lines. Homes built before 1950 are at higher risk.
If you have young children, talk to your pediatrician about testing. The CDC has guidance on protecting children from lead exposure.
Next steps for residents
- Contact Madison County Water Department to ask if your home's address has been flagged for lead service lines
- Request a free or discounted water test through your utility or county health department
- Check your home's age (pre-1986 homes are at higher risk)
- If you're concerned about lead, use a water filter certified for lead removal while awaiting more information
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Madison County Water Department have lead service lines?
Madison County Water Department is still completing its lead service line inventory, so a full picture is not yet available. Contact the utility directly to ask whether your specific address has a known or suspected lead line.
How do I know if my home has a lead service line?
Call your water utility and give them your address. Many utilities have partial records from past work. Alternatively, dig up a small section of the line where it enters your home and look for a dull gray metal (lead) or test it with a magnet (lead is not magnetic). A plumber can also inspect it.
Is lead in my water dangerous?
Lead in drinking water is a health concern, especially for young children and pregnant women. The best way to know if lead is in your water is to get it tested. Contact the CDC or your pediatrician for health questions.
Will the government replace my lead service line for free?
Federal funding is available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help utilities replace lead service lines. Contact Madison County Water Department to ask about their replacement program and whether your home qualifies for assistance.