Lead Service Lines in Savannah-Wilmington Island

Savannah-Wilmington Island Water System serves about 13,500 people in Georgia. If you live or work in this area and use this water system, here's what you need to know about lead service lines—the pipes that may carry water into your home.

What is a lead service line?

A lead service line is the pipe that connects the water main (under the street) to your home. If your home was built or connected before the 1980s, there's a chance your service line contains lead. Lead can leach into drinking water, especially in homes with older plumbing.

What does this water system know about lead?

Savannah-Wilmington Island has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines in their system. This means they don't yet have a public count of how many homes are served by lead pipes, galvanized pipes, or confirmed lead-free pipes. An inventory is required by the EPA, and many water systems across the US are still working through this process.

What should you do now?

You don't need to wait for the inventory. Here are practical steps:

1. Get your water tested. Contact your local health department or use a certified lab to test your tap water for lead. The EPA recommends testing if your home was built before 1986 or if you're uncertain about your service line material.

2. Contact the utility. Call Savannah-Wilmington Island Water System and ask: - What material is your service line? - When will the inventory be complete? - Are there any water quality reports available?

3. Take precautions now. If you're concerned about lead: - Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking (if your home hasn't been used for several hours). - Use cold water for drinking and cooking; hot water leaches lead faster. - Consider a certified lead-reducing filter while you wait for more information.

4. If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your pediatrician or OB-GYN about lead exposure risk in your home.

Next steps for residents

• Test your water through your local health department or a certified lab
• Call Savannah-Wilmington Island Water System (PWSID: GA0510229) to ask about your service line material
• Ask the utility when they expect to complete their lead service line inventory
• If concerned about young children's health, consult your pediatrician

```json [ { "q": "How do I know if I have a lead service line?", "a": "Contact your water utility directly and ask. They may have records. You can also look outside where the water enters your home—lead pipes are dull gray and soft enough to scratch with a coin. The only definitive test is a plumber or lab analysis." }, { "q": "Is it dangerous to drink water from a lead service line?", "a": "Lead can leach into water, especially from older pipes or in homes with corrosive water. Exposure is a health concern, particularly for young children. A water test is the only way to know if lead is in your water. Contact the CDC or your pediatrician for health questions." }, { "q": "When will Savannah-Wilmington Island finish their lead inventory?", "a": "The utility has not yet completed their inventory. Contact them directly (PWSID: GA0510229) to ask for a timeline. Federal law requires water systems to complete inventories, though timelines vary by system." }, { "q": "What can I do to reduce lead in my drinking water right now?", "a": "Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking if your home hasn't been used for hours. Use cold water for drinking and cooking. A certified lead-removing filter can also help while you investigate your service line." }