CENTRAL ARKANSAS WATER Lead Service Line Inventory
What you need to know
Central Arkansas Water serves approximately 368,455 people across the region. Like all US water utilities, it is required by federal law to maintain an inventory of lead service lines—the pipes that connect the public water main to individual homes.
Current inventory status: Central Arkansas Water has not yet completed or publicly reported a lead service line inventory. This does not mean your home is safe or unsafe; it means the utility has not finished documenting which pipes in the system contain lead.
Why this matters
Lead service lines can leach lead into drinking water, especially in homes with acidic water or when pipes are disturbed. The CDC and EPA recommend that anyone concerned about lead in their home take action now, rather than waiting for a complete utility inventory.
What to do right now
Contact your water utility directly. Ask Central Arkansas Water whether your address has a lead service line. Provide your street address and account number if you have it. The utility may have incomplete records, but they often know more than what appears in public databases.
Get your water tested. A simple tap water test costs $20–50 and takes a few days. If you have young children (under 6) or are pregnant, testing is especially important. Contact your local health department or visit the EPA's testing resource page for certified labs.
Learn about treatment options. If your home has a lead service line, using a point-of-use filter certified for lead (look for NSF/ANSI 53) can reduce lead in drinking water. Replacing the line entirely is the permanent solution, though it's expensive.
The bigger picture
Federal law now requires all water utilities to replace lead service lines over time, with funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Arkansas utilities will receive resources to speed up replacements in coming years. Check back with Central Arkansas Water about replacement timelines and whether they offer assistance programs.
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Next steps for residents
- Call Central Arkansas Water and ask about lead service lines at your address
- Get your tap water tested if you have young children or are pregnant
- If lead is found, consider a certified lead filter or line replacement
- Check back regularly for updates on the utility's replacement plan and funding
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Central Arkansas Water have lead service lines?
Central Arkansas Water has not yet completed or published a lead service line inventory. Your home may or may not have a lead line—the only way to know is to contact the utility directly with your address.
Is it safe to drink tap water from Central Arkansas Water?
Central Arkansas Water treats its water to meet federal safety standards. However, lead service lines can be a problem in individual homes. If you're concerned, get your tap water tested by a certified lab.
How much does it cost to replace a lead service line?
Replacement typically costs $3,000–15,000 depending on depth and location. Contact Central Arkansas Water to ask whether they offer replacement assistance programs or rebates.
Can I filter out lead from my tap water?
Yes—point-of-use filters certified for lead (NSF/ANSI 53) can remove most lead from drinking water. Boiling does not remove lead, so filters or bottled water are your best options while waiting for line replacement.