Lead Service Lines in London, Kentucky
What you need to know about lead in your water pipes
The London Utility Commission serves about 8,855 people in Kentucky. Like many water systems across the US, this utility may have lead service lines—the pipes that carry water from the main water line under the street into homes.
A lead service line is a direct pathway for lead to enter your drinking water. Lead is a toxic metal with no safe level of exposure, especially for children and pregnant people. Even small amounts matter.
What's the current status here?
The London Utility Commission has not yet completed an inventory of its lead service lines. This means the utility does not yet have a count of how many homes may be affected. Without this data, you can't know for certain whether your home has a lead service line just from utility records.
This is common—many smaller water systems are still working through the inventory process, which became a federal requirement under the Lead and Copper Rule.
How to find out if your home is at risk
Contact the London Utility Commission directly. Ask:
- Do you have a lead service line inventory available?
- Does my address have a known lead service line?
- What water treatment or corrosion control measures do you use?
You can also:
- Check your property records. Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead service lines, though it's possible in any era.
- Request a water test. Your utility may offer free or low-cost testing. A test shows whether lead is in your water right now—not definitively whether you have a lead service line, but it's useful information.
- Look at your water bill or utility website. The utility may have posted their inventory timeline or initial findings there.
What protections are in place?
Water systems are required to use corrosion control treatment to reduce lead leaching from pipes. The London Utility Commission treats its water to meet federal standards, but a service line made entirely of lead is harder to protect through treatment alone.
Next steps for residents
- Contact the London Utility Commission to ask about their lead service line inventory status and timeline.
- Request a free or low-cost water test from your utility if you're concerned about lead levels in your home.
- Consider a point-of-use filter certified for lead removal (NSF/ANSI 53) as a temporary measure while you gather more information.
- Talk to your pediatrician if you have young children and want guidance on water safety.
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 house has a lead service line?
Contact the London Utility Commission and ask if your address appears in their lead service line inventory. You can also check your property records—homes built before 1986 are at higher risk. A water test will show whether lead is present in your water right now.
Is lead in water dangerous for kids?
Yes. Lead is toxic and has no safe exposure level for children. It can harm brain development, learning, and behavior. If you're concerned, talk to your pediatrician or call the CDC for guidance.
Can I filter lead out of my tap water?
Point-of-use filters certified for lead removal (look for NSF/ANSI 53 certification) can reduce lead in drinking water. However, they don't address lead pipes themselves—only the water that comes through them.
What is my water utility doing about lead?
Contact the London Utility Commission directly to ask about their corrosion control treatment, inventory timeline, and replacement plans. Smaller utilities are still completing lead inventories required by federal rule.