CANTON Lead Service Line Inventory
About this water system
CANTON water system serves about 16,375 residents in Georgia. The system draws water from surface sources (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), which is treated before delivery to homes and businesses.
Lead enters drinking water through lead service lines—the pipes that connect the water main in the street to your home. These lines were commonly installed before the 1970s and can corrode over time, releasing lead into water that reaches your tap.
What we know about CANTON's lead service lines
CANTON has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines in its service area. This means the utility does not have public data showing how many lead, galvanized, or non-lead pipes are in use.
This is not unusual. The Lead and Copper Rule, a federal regulation, requires water systems to create and maintain these inventories, but many systems nationwide are still in the process of gathering this information.
What you should do now
If you live in CANTON's service area and are concerned about lead in your water:
1. Contact the utility directly. Ask whether your address has a known lead service line and what testing or protection steps are available to you. You can request a copy of any inventory data they've compiled so far.
2. Get your water tested. If you have a lead service line or don't know your pipe material, consider having your water tested for lead. Your local health department or the utility can recommend affordable testing options.
3. Use cold water for drinking and cooking. Lead leaches more readily from hot water. If you haven't used your tap in several hours, run it for 30 seconds before drinking (a practice called flushing).
4. Learn about your home. Homes built before the 1970s are more likely to have lead pipes. Check your home's age and construction records if you're unsure.
Federal funding for replacements
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and other federal programs provide funding to water systems for lead line replacement projects. Contact CANTON to ask whether they have received funding and what replacement timelines they expect.
Next steps for residents
- Call CANTON water system and ask: "Do you have a lead service line inventory? Does my address have a known lead line?"
- Request a copy of their Lead and Copper Rule testing reports, available upon request.
- Contact your local Georgia health department for low-cost water testing options.
- If health concerns arise, speak with your pediatrician or contact the CDC at 1-800-CDC-INFO.
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 I have a lead service line?
Your water utility maintains records of service line materials. Contact CANTON directly and provide your address. You can also hire a plumber to inspect the pipe where it enters your home, though the entire line may not be lead even if the visible section is.
Is lead in water dangerous?
Lead can affect the developing brains of infants and young children, causing learning and behavioral problems. Adults can experience kidney damage and high blood pressure. The CDC has resources on lead exposure and health effects; talk to your doctor if you're concerned.
Can I remove lead from my water myself?
Boiling water does not remove lead. Certified water filters (look for NSF/ANSI 53 certification) can reduce lead, but they require regular replacement. The most effective long-term solution is replacing the lead service line.
How much does it cost to replace a lead service line?
Costs vary widely (typically $3,000–$25,000+), but many utilities now offer cost-sharing or full replacement programs funded by federal grants. Contact CANTON to learn what assistance programs they offer.