Lead Service Lines at COWETA WATER & SEWER AUTH.
About this water system
COWETA WATER & SEWER AUTH. serves 92,907 people in Georgia. The utility draws its water from surface sources (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Lead service line inventory status
A lead service line is the pipe that connects your home to the main water line under the street. Lead pipes can leach lead into drinking water, especially in homes with acidic water or where water sits in pipes overnight.
As of now, COWETA WATER & SEWER AUTH. has not completed a full inventory of lead service lines in its service area. This means the utility has not yet documented how many homes are connected by lead pipes, galvanized pipes (which can also contain lead), or non-lead pipes.
Federal law requires all water systems to complete this inventory by October 2024. If your utility has not finished, it should be a priority.
What you should do now
Your home may or may not have a lead service line—the only way to know is to ask your utility or check your service records. Even if your line is lead, the risk depends on water chemistry, pipe age, and how long water sits in the pipe before you use it.
Contact COWETA WATER & SEWER AUTH. directly to:
- Ask whether your home has a lead service line
- Request the year your line was installed (homes built before 1986 are at higher risk)
- Ask about their lead service line replacement program or rebates
- Find out if they have completed their inventory and when results will be public
You can also flush your tap before drinking: run the cold water for 30 seconds to several minutes (until it gets noticeably colder) before filling a glass. This clears water that has been sitting in pipes.
Next steps for residents
- Contact your utility to ask about your home's service line material
- Run the tap before drinking tap water, especially first thing in the morning
- Check your water bill for contact information and visit the utility's website for any lead testing programs
- If you are pregnant or have young children, contact your doctor or the CDC for guidance on reducing lead exposure
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does my home have a lead service line?
Only your water utility can tell you for sure. Call COWETA WATER & SEWER AUTH. with your address and ask about your service line material and the year it was installed. Homes built before 1986 are at higher risk.
Is lead in water dangerous?
Lead can harm brain development in young children and affect adults too. Contact your pediatrician or the CDC for guidance on testing and reducing exposure.
How do I reduce lead in my tap water?
Run the cold water for 30 seconds to several minutes before drinking, use cold water for cooking and baby formula, and consider a certified lead-removing filter if your utility confirms lead in your line. Ask your utility about free or low-cost testing.
What is a galvanized pipe?
Galvanized pipes are steel pipes coated with zinc. They can corrode over time and leach lead, especially in older homes. If installed before 1980, they may contain lead solder and should be tested.