HAYS, CITY OF — Lead Service Line Inventory

The City of Hays serves approximately 21,040 residents in Kansas. Like all US water systems, Hays is required by federal law to identify and report on lead service lines—the pipes that connect homes to the public water main.

What we know about Hays's lead service lines

As of now, the City of Hays has not completed a public inventory of lead service lines in its distribution system. This does not mean there are no lead lines; it means the utility has not yet published a count or map of where they are located.

Lead service lines pose a real health risk, especially for young children and pregnant people. If your home was built before 1980, or if you don't know what material your service line is made of, it's worth taking steps to find out.

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

1. Contact the City of Hays water utility directly. They can tell you whether your specific address is served by a lead line, or they can explain what records they do have. 2. Check your property records or home inspection report. If your home was recently inspected or appraised, the service line material may be documented. 3. Look at your water meter. If the pipe connecting the meter to your home is gray or dull (not shiny copper), it may be lead, though this isn't definitive.

If you discover or suspect a lead service line

The safest long-term solution is replacement. However, that's expensive and not always immediately possible. In the meantime:

• Use a water filter certified to remove lead (NSF/ANSI Standard 42 or 53).
• Let water run for 30 seconds before using it, especially if it's been sitting in pipes for several hours.
• Use cold water for drinking and cooking. Hot water leaches more lead from pipes.
• Have your water tested if you're concerned. Some health departments offer this free or low-cost.

For health questions—especially if you have a young child—contact your pediatrician or the CDC's lead hotline.

Next steps for residents

• Call the City of Hays water utility and ask whether your address has a lead service line on record.
• Request their lead service line inventory or replacement plan if one exists.
• Get a water test from a certified lab if you want to know your home's lead level.
• Install a certified filter while you investigate your service line status.

```json [ { "q": "Does Hays Kansas have lead in the water?", "a": "Lead in drinking water comes from lead service lines and plumbing, not from the source water itself. The City of Hays has not yet published a complete inventory of lead service lines. To find out if your home has one, contact the utility directly." }, { "q": "How do I know if my water line is lead?", "a": "Contact the City of Hays water utility with your address. They may have records of your service line material. You can also hire a plumber to inspect the pipe at your water meter, or have your water tested by a certified lab." }, { "q": "Is lead service line water safe to drink?", "a": "Lead can leach into water, especially from older pipes and when water sits stagnant. If you have a lead service line, use a certified water filter, flush the line before drinking, and use cold water for drinking and cooking. Have your water tested to know your exposure level." }, { "q": "What should I do if my house has a lead service line?", "a": "The permanent solution is replacement, but that's costly. In the meantime, use a certified lead-removing filter, flush pipes regularly, and avoid hot tap water for drinking. Talk to your pediatrician if you have young children in the