PAULDING COUNTY WATER SYSTEM
Lead Service Lines in Your Area
Paulding County Water System serves about 117,500 people in Georgia. Like many water utilities across the US, the system is required to identify and track lead service lines—the pipes that connect the water main to individual homes.
What We Know Right Now
The utility draws its water from surface sources (lakes and rivers). However, the system has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines in its service area. This means we don't have a current public count of how many homes may have lead pipes.
This is not unusual. Many utilities across the country are still in the early stages of their lead line identification work. Georgia's utilities are following a timeline set by the EPA, and inventory completion dates vary.
What This Means for Your Home
If your house was built before 1986, there's a higher chance it has a lead service line—lead was commonly used in water pipes before that date. However, the only way to know for certain is to have your specific address checked or to contact your water utility directly.
If you're concerned about lead in your water:
- Test your water. A simple lead test costs $15–50 and gives you a clear answer for your home.
- Check with your utility. Paulding County Water System can tell you whether your property has a known lead line or may have one based on age and installation records.
- Use a filter if needed. NSF-certified filters rated for lead reduction can lower levels while you wait for line replacement or confirmation that your pipes are lead-free.
Lead in drinking water is a health concern, especially for young children and pregnant people. The CDC has guidance on reducing exposure at home.
Next Steps for Residents
- Contact Paulding County Water System directly to ask if your address has a lead service line or is at risk.
- Get your water tested if you have concerns—your utility may offer free or subsidized testing.
- Ask about replacement programs. Some utilities offer assistance with line replacement costs.
- Review the CDC's lead and water guidance for additional protective steps.
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Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Paulding County have lead in its water?
The system's water source (surface water) is treated before delivery. Lead enters water through old pipes, not from the source itself. The utility is still completing its inventory of lead service lines, so we don't yet have a count of how many homes may be affected.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Contact Paulding County Water System with your address—they can check installation records and tell you if your line is known to be lead or at risk based on your home's age. You can also hire a plumber to inspect the line where it enters your house.
Is it safe to drink the water right now?
If you have a lead service line, you can reduce risk by running water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking, using cold water (hot water leaches more lead), and having your water tested. Talk to your pediatrician if you have young children.
When will the utility finish its lead inventory?
The EPA requires utilities to complete lead inventories by specific deadlines based on their size. Contact the utility for its timeline and current progress.