MCCREARY COUNTY WATER DISTRICT Lead Service Line Inventory
About This Water System
MCCREARY COUNTY WATER DISTRICT serves 34,439 people in Kentucky. The system draws water from surface sources (rivers or lakes) and distributes it through a network of pipes to homes and businesses in the area.
Lead Service Lines: Current Status
The district has not yet completed a public inventory of lead service lines. This does not mean the system has no lead pipes—it means the survey work is still in progress or the results have not been made available to the public.
Lead service lines are pipes made of lead that connect the water main (the large pipe under the street) to individual homes. They were commonly installed before the 1970s and can leach lead into drinking water, especially in homes with older plumbing or acidic water.
What You Should Know
Lead in drinking water is a real concern. Even low levels can affect children's development, and there is no safe threshold established for lead exposure. However, you have concrete steps you can take right now—you do not need to wait for your utility's inventory to be complete.
Your home may or may not have a lead service line. Homes built after the 1980s are less likely to have one, but age alone is not definitive. The only way to know for certain is to have your water tested or your pipes inspected.
Your water utility is required by law to begin replacing lead service lines if they identify them. If MCCREARY COUNTY WATER DISTRICT receives federal funding (like grants under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law), those dollars must go toward removal and replacement.
Next Steps for Residents
- Contact MCCREARY COUNTY WATER DISTRICT directly to ask about the status of their lead service line inventory and whether testing or replacement programs are available to you.
- Have your water tested for lead by a certified lab. Kentucky's health department can provide a list of labs. Testing costs between $20–$50.
- Use a water filter certified for lead removal (NSF/ANSI 53) on your kitchen tap in the meantime if you are concerned.
- Check with your pediatrician if you have young children in the home and want guidance on lead exposure risk.
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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
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
The only certain way is to have a plumber inspect the pipe where it enters your home or to have your water tested by a certified lab. You can also contact your water utility—MCCREARY COUNTY WATER DISTRICT may have records for your address.
Is lead service line water safe to drink?
Lead can leach into water from old pipes, especially if your water is acidic or sits in pipes for hours. The CDC recommends letting water run for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking if you suspect a lead line, and having your water tested if you are concerned.
Can my water utility remove a lead service line?
Yes. Water utilities are required by the EPA to replace lead service lines once identified. Contact MCCREARY COUNTY WATER DISTRICT to ask if they have a replacement program and whether you qualify for assistance.
What does a water filter do for lead?
A pitcher or faucet filter certified NSF/ANSI 53 can reduce lead in drinking water. This is a temporary measure—it is not a substitute for removing the lead line itself.