DEKALB COUNTY Water System Lead Service Line Inventory
What You Need to Know
DEKALB COUNTY serves approximately 743,000 people in Georgia. The utility draws its water primarily from surface sources.
As of now, DEKALB COUNTY has not completed a public inventory of lead service lines in its system. This means the utility has not yet published a count of how many homes are connected by lead pipes, or made that information available to residents.
Why This Matters
A lead service line is the pipe that connects your home to the public water main. If yours is made of lead, water can pick up lead as it travels through the pipe—especially if water sits overnight or if there's corrosion inside the pipe.
Children under 6 and pregnant people are at highest risk from lead exposure. Even small amounts can harm brain development. If you're concerned about your family's health, talk to your pediatrician or contact the CDC.
What DEKALB COUNTY Should Do Next
Federal law (the Lead and Copper Rule) now requires water utilities to:
- Identify all lead service lines in their system
- Share that inventory publicly
- Develop a plan to replace them
DEKALB COUNTY is required to complete this inventory. Until they do, you won't have an official record of whether your service line contains lead.
What You Can Do Now
Contact your water utility directly to ask:
- Does my home have a lead service line?
- When will the inventory be public?
- What's the replacement timeline?
You can also request a water test if you're worried about lead in your tap water. A certified lab can tell you if lead is present (though a test doesn't show whether the problem is in your service line or plumbing inside your home).
Next Steps for Residents
- Call DEKALB COUNTY and ask about their lead service line inventory status and replacement plan
- Request a water test from a certified laboratory if you have health concerns
- Talk to your pediatrician if you have children under 6; they can advise on lead testing
- Visit the EPA's Lead and Copper Rule page (epa.gov) for more information on federal requirements
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does DEKALB COUNTY have lead in the water?
DEKALB COUNTY has not yet published a public inventory of lead service lines. Lead in your water typically comes from lead pipes connecting your home to the main, not from the treatment plant itself. Contact the utility to ask about your specific address.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
The only sure way is to contact DEKALB COUNTY or have a plumber inspect the pipe where it enters your home. You can also request a water test from a certified lab to check for lead in your tap water.
Is lead in drinking water dangerous?
Yes, especially for young children and pregnant people. Lead can harm brain development even at low levels. If you're concerned about your family's health, talk to your doctor or pediatrician.
When will DEKALB COUNTY replace lead pipes?
DEKALB COUNTY has not yet published a replacement plan. Contact the utility to ask about their timeline and whether you're eligible for replacement assistance.