Lead Service Line Inventory: FORSYTH CO. WATER & SEWER

FORSYTH CO. WATER & SEWER serves about 161,200 people across Forsyth County, Georgia. Like water systems nationwide, it is required by federal law to identify and track lead service lines—the pipes that connect homes to the main water line underground.

What we know about lead service lines in your area

The inventory data for this system is not yet publicly available or has not been completed. This does not mean there are no lead service lines; it means the utility is still in the process of documenting them, or the records have not been uploaded to a public database.

Lead service lines are a concern because water can pick up lead as it travels through old pipes, especially in homes built before the 1980s. The only way to know if your home has one is to check your service line or contact your water utility directly.

How to find out if your home has a lead service line

Contact FORSYTH CO. WATER & SEWER directly. Ask them:

• Does my address have a lead service line?
• What is my service line made of (lead, copper, PVC, galvanized steel)?
• Do you have a map or inventory I can check online?

The utility may be able to tell you based on installation records, or they may need to send someone to inspect the line at your property line (usually free). If records don't exist, a simple visual inspection or a small test dig may be needed.

What to do while you wait for answers

If you're concerned about lead in drinking water right now:

• Run cold water first. Let water run for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking, especially if the tap hasn't been used for hours.
• Use cold water for cooking and drinking. Hot water dissolves lead faster.
• Consider a filter. NSF-certified filters marked for lead reduction work if used and maintained correctly. (Check your filter's certification and replacement schedule.)

If you have young children, talk to your pediatrician about lead testing. The CDC has guidance on lead exposure and health at cdc.gov/nceh/lead.

Next steps for residents

• Contact FORSYTH CO. WATER & SEWER to request your service line material and any available inventory data.
• If you live in a home built before 1980, assume your line could be lead and take precautions with water use.
• Ask your utility if they have a replacement program or timeline for lead service lines.
• Save any information the utility sends you—it may be useful for future home sales or renovations.

```json [ { "q": "How do I know if my water has lead?", "a": "You cannot see, taste, or smell lead in water. The only way to know is a water test (ask your utility for a free test kit) or by identifying your service line material. Homes with lead service lines are at higher risk, especially if water sits in pipes for hours." }, { "q": "Is Forsyth County water safe to drink?", "a": "FORSYTH CO. WATER & SEWER is required to treat water to reduce lead. However, if your home has a lead service line, some lead can still enter your water. Contact the utility for test results and your service line status." }, { "q": "What does a lead service line look like?", "a": "Lead is a soft, gray metal. If you can see the pipe at your meter or outside your home, a lead line will leave a dark gray mark if you scratch it gently with a coin. Your utility can also tell you based on records or by inspecting your property." }, { "q": "Can I remove a lead service line myself?", "a": "No. Lead service line replacement is a specialized job that should be done by