ALBANY Water System Lead Service Line Inventory
ALBANY water system serves about 101,245 people in Georgia. The utility draws water from groundwater sources.
What is a lead service line?
A lead service line is the underground pipe that connects your home to the public water main. If your home was built before the 1980s, or if you're unsure, your service line may contain lead. When lead is present, it can leach into drinking water—especially if the water is corrosive or if the line is disturbed.
Current inventory status
As of now, ALBANY has not yet completed a full lead service line inventory. An inventory is a systematic count and location map of all lead and potentially lead-containing service lines in the system. The Safe Drinking Water Act requires all water utilities to complete this work.
Without a finished inventory, the utility—and residents—don't have a complete picture of where lead service lines exist in the distribution system.
What you can do now
Even without an official inventory, you can take steps to protect your household:
- Test your water. Contact ALBANY directly and ask about free or low-cost testing kits. A simple test can tell you if lead is present in your tap water.
- Know your home's age. Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead service lines. Check your deed or ask a neighbor.
- Use cold water for drinking and cooking. Hot water dissolves lead more readily. Let cold water run for 30 seconds before using it for drinking or cooking.
- Ask about replacement programs. Some utilities offer financial assistance to help homeowners replace lead service lines. Contact ALBANY to learn if programs exist.
Next steps for residents
- Contact ALBANY directly at their main office to ask about lead service line testing, inventory timelines, and any replacement assistance programs.
- Request your water quality report. Every utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) that includes lead test results.
- Test your water at home if you have concerns, using a kit from ALBANY or an EPA-certified lab.
- Visit the CDC website if you have health questions about lead exposure, especially if you have children under 6 or pregnant household members.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does ALBANY water have lead?
ALBANY is still completing its lead service line inventory, so a full picture of where lead lines exist is not yet available. You can request a free or low-cost water test from the utility to check your home's tap water for lead.
How do I know if I have a lead service line?
Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead service lines. You can contact ALBANY directly to ask if they have records for your address, or hire a plumber to inspect your service line.
Is lead in water dangerous?
Lead can harm the brain and nervous system, especially in children. For health concerns, talk to your pediatrician or visit the CDC website for guidance on testing and reducing exposure.
Can ALBANY help me replace a lead service line?
Some utilities offer grants or rebates for replacement. Contact ALBANY directly to ask about programs available to residents in your area.