Lead Service Lines in Savannah-Georgetown/Gateway, Georgia
About This Water System
Savannah-Georgetown/Gateway serves approximately 14,589 people in Georgia. The system draws from groundwater sources and is required by federal law to identify and report on lead service lines—pipes that connect the main water line to individual homes.
What You Need to Know
Lead service lines are a real concern, but they're manageable. If your home has one, lead enters your water only under specific conditions (like low water pressure or corrosive water). The good news: filtration and simple habits can reduce exposure significantly.
Current inventory status: This water system has not yet completed a full lead service line inventory. That means the utility is still identifying which homes may have lead pipes. Federal law requires all systems to finish inventories by October 2024.
What This Means for Your Home
If you live in this service area, you should:
1. Ask your water utility directly whether your property has a lead service line. Even without a complete public inventory, the utility may have records about your specific address.
2. Don't panic if you find one. Lead pipes only pose a risk if lead actually enters your water—which depends on water chemistry, pipe condition, and usage patterns. A simple test (see below) tells you what's actually in your tap water.
3. Get your water tested if you're concerned. A basic lead test costs $20–$50 and shows whether lead is present in your water right now. Contact your local health department or a certified lab.
4. Take precautions in the meantime: Use cold water for drinking and cooking (hot water dissolves lead faster), flush your tap for 30 seconds before use, and consider a point-of-use filter certified for lead if you want extra protection.
Next Steps for Residents
- Contact Savannah-Georgetown/Gateway water utility directly and ask:
- Does my address have a lead service line? - When will the lead inventory be complete? - What is your water's pH and corrosivity?
- Get your water tested through your county health department or a certified private lab.
- Check CDC guidance on lead and drinking water at cdc.gov/water for health information and filtration options.
- Review your utility's most recent water quality report (Consumer Confidence Report), which should be available on their website or by phone.
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 my water has lead in it?
The only way to know is to test your tap water. Contact your local health department or a certified lab for a lead test, which typically costs $20–$50. Your water utility can also provide their latest water quality report.
What should I do if my house has a lead service line?
First, test your actual tap water to see if lead is present. If your water does contain lead, use cold water for drinking and cooking, flush your taps before use, and consider installing a certified lead-reducing filter. Work with your utility on a long-term replacement plan.
When will this water system finish identifying lead pipes?
Federal law requires all water systems to complete lead service line inventories by October 2024. Contact your water utility to ask about their timeline and request information about your specific address.
Can lead in water hurt my family?
Lead exposure is a health concern, especially for children. For detailed information about health risks and protection steps, contact your pediatrician or visit the CDC website at cdc.gov/water.