HOUSTON COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY Lead Service Line Inventory
About this water system
HOUSTON COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY serves approximately 4,902 people in Alabama. The utility draws water from groundwater sources.
Lead service line inventory status
This water system has not yet completed a lead service line (LSL) inventory. As of the most recent data available, 0 service lines have been inventoried.
Lead service lines are pipes made of lead that connect a water main to your home. They were commonly installed before 1986, when federal law banned their use in new construction. If your home was built before the mid-1980s and you live in an older neighborhood, your property may have a lead service line—but the only way to know is through a documented inventory or a test at your property line.
What this means for residents
Without a completed inventory, the water utility hasn't yet publicly documented how many lead service lines exist in its service area. This does not mean there are no lead lines—it means they haven't been systematically identified yet.
Federal regulations require all community water systems to complete lead and copper rule revisions (LCRR) by specific deadlines. Completion timelines vary based on system size and when the rule took effect for your utility.
What you can do now
Contact the water utility directly to ask about lead in your service line. They can tell you:
- Whether your address has a known lead service line
- Whether your property has been tested
- What the water utility's timeline is for completing its inventory
- What steps they recommend for your home
If you're concerned about lead in drinking water, the CDC recommends flushing your tap (letting water run cold for 30 seconds to 2 minutes) before drinking or cooking, and using only cold water for drinking and cooking—hot water can leach more lead from pipes.
Next steps for residents
- Call or email HOUSTON COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY and ask whether your address has a documented lead service line or is flagged as "unknown."
- Request a copy of the utility's lead service line inventory or replacement plan if available.
- Consider getting your water tested for lead through a certified lab if you'd like to know your exposure level (contact your state environmental agency for a list of labs).
- Talk to your pediatrician or doctor if you have health concerns about past or ongoing lead exposure.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does HOUSTON COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY have lead in the water?
Lead can enter water through lead service lines and some plumbing fixtures, not from the water source itself. This utility serves 4,902 people and has not yet completed an inventory of lead service lines. Contact the utility to find out whether your property has a lead service line.
How do I know if I have a lead service line?
The most reliable way is to contact your water utility—they may have records or can help you identify it. You can also hire a plumber to inspect the pipe at your property line. Lead pipe is soft, gray, and can be scratched with a key; older galvanized pipes may also pose a risk.
Is lead in my water dangerous?
Lead is harmful, especially for children and pregnant people. If you're concerned about health effects, talk to your doctor or contact the CDC. For immediate steps, flush your tap before drinking and use only cold water for drinking and cooking.
What should I do if I think I have a lead service line?
Contact HOUSTON COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY to ask about your property. They can tell you whether your line is documented as lead, unknown, or non-lead. You can also request a water quality test through a certified lab to check for lead levels.