Lead Service Line Inventory: DHS Boulevard Border Patrol

DHS Boulevard Border Patrol serves approximately 20,270 people in California. Like all U.S. water systems, this utility is required by the EPA to identify and report on lead service lines—the pipes that connect homes to the water main.

What you should know about this system

DHS Boulevard Border Patrol has not yet completed a public inventory of its lead service lines. This doesn't mean the system has lead pipes; it means the utility hasn't finished the mapping and testing work required by federal law.

As of now, no lead service line data is publicly available from this system. The utility draws from groundwater sources.

Why this matters

Lead service lines are a real health concern. If your home has one and the water is corrosive (certain pH levels, mineral content), lead can leach into your drinking water. Infants, young children, and pregnant people face the greatest risk.

The good news: lead in water is preventable. Knowing whether you have a lead service line is the first step.

What to do now

Contact your water utility directly. Ask:

• Does my address have a lead service line?
• When will the full inventory be available online?
• What interim steps can I take to reduce exposure (like flushing the line)?
• Is there funding available to replace lead lines?

If you get a "we don't know yet" answer, ask for a timeline and the name of the person leading the inventory project. This helps hold systems accountable.

If you're concerned about lead exposure

Test your tap water. The EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791) can direct you to certified labs in California. You can also ask your utility if they offer free testing.

If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your pediatrician or OB-GYN about blood lead screening. The CDC has detailed guidance on lead exposure prevention.

Next steps for residents

• Call or email DHS Boulevard Border Patrol to ask about lead service lines at your address and request their inventory timeline.
• Get your water tested at a certified lab if you suspect lead.
• Use a point-of-use filter rated for lead (NSF 53) while you wait for answers—this is a low-cost interim measure.
• Ask about replacement funding when you contact your utility; some systems have grants or low-interest loan programs.

```json [ { "q": "How do I know if my house has a lead service line?", "a": "Your water utility's records are the primary source. Contact DHS Boulevard Border Patrol and provide your address. You can also hire a plumber to inspect the line outside your home—it's typically 3–4 feet deep near the street. Lead lines are soft, dull gray, and can be scratched with a coin." }, { "q": "Does DHS Boulevard Border Patrol have lead in the water?", "a": "The utility has not yet published a lead service line inventory, so there's no public data on how many lead lines are in the system. Groundwater systems can have lead pipes, but presence of lead lines doesn't automatically mean the water is contaminated—water chemistry matters too." }, { "q": "What should I do if I'm worried about lead right now?", "a": "Install a point-of-use filter certified for lead (look for NSF 53 certification), flush the tap for 30 seconds before drinking, and use cold water for cooking and drinking. Contact a pediatrician or the CDC if you want to know about blood lead testing for children." }, { "q": "When will DHS Boulevard Border Patrol finish their lead inventory?", "a": "That date is not yet public. Call the utility directly and ask for a timeline. Federal law requires completion, but deadlines vary by system. Utilities that received Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding