Lead Service Lines at Kentucky-American Water Co
Kentucky-American Water Co serves about 669,000 people across the state. If you're looking for information about lead service lines (the pipes that connect the water main to your home), here's what you need to know.
What is a lead service line?
A lead service line is the pipe running from the public water main under the street into your home. These pipes were common in homes built before the 1980s. Water traveling through lead pipes can pick up lead, a toxic metal that poses serious health risks—especially to children and pregnant people.
What does Kentucky-American Water Co know about lead service lines in their system?
As of now, Kentucky-American Water Co has not published a detailed public inventory of which homes are served by lead service lines. The utility serves over 669,000 residents, but the specific count of lead, galvanized (which may contain lead), or unknown service lines is not yet available in their public records.
This doesn't mean the problem doesn't exist. It means the utility is still in the process of identifying and mapping these pipes—a requirement under the federal Lead and Copper Rule. Many large water systems across the country are in similar stages of inventory work.
What should you do?
Contact your water utility directly. Call Kentucky-American Water Co or visit their website to ask:
- Whether your address has a lead service line
- What water quality testing results show for your specific location
- Whether they offer free or subsidized testing or pipe replacement programs
You can also check your home's age and construction records—homes built before 1986 are at higher risk.
If you're concerned about lead exposure, the CDC recommends testing your water and talking to your pediatrician about blood lead level testing for children. Flushing cold water before use, using a filter certified for lead removal, and fixing leaks can all reduce exposure while you work on longer-term solutions.
Next steps for residents
- Contact Kentucky-American Water Co to ask about your specific address and service line material
- Request a free water test if available through your utility
- Talk to your doctor if anyone in your home (especially children under 6) may have been exposed to lead
- Check your home's age—if built before 1986, assume higher risk until you confirm otherwise
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
How do I know if my home has a lead service line in Kentucky?
Contact Kentucky-American Water Co directly with your address. You can also check your home's age—houses built before 1986 are more likely to have lead pipes. The utility can confirm your service line material.
Is lead in drinking water dangerous?
Yes. Lead is toxic and can cause serious health problems, especially in children and pregnant people. Even small amounts can affect development and learning. The CDC recommends testing if you're concerned.
What can I do right now to reduce lead exposure?
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking; use a filter certified to remove lead; and fix any leaks. These steps reduce exposure while you explore testing or pipe replacement options.
Is Kentucky-American Water Co required to replace lead service lines?
Yes, under federal law. However, replacement timelines vary. Contact the utility to ask about their replacement plan and whether assistance programs are available for your home.