Lead Service Lines: SOUTHEASTERN WATER ASSOC/NELSON VALLEY
About Your Water System
SOUTHEASTERN WATER ASSOC/NELSON VALLEY serves approximately 21,895 people in Kentucky. The utility draws from surface water sources.
Lead Service Line Inventory Status
As of now, this utility has not yet completed an inventory of lead service lines (LSLs) in their distribution system. That means the water company does not yet have a public report showing how many homes are connected via lead pipes.
Why This Matters
Lead service lines are the main pathway for lead to enter your tap water. If a line is corroded or the water is not properly treated to prevent corrosion, lead can leach into drinking water—even at levels that have no taste, smell, or color.
Federal law requires all US water utilities to develop and maintain an inventory of lead service lines by October 2024. If your utility has not yet published theirs, they are working to meet that deadline or may have requested an extension.
What You Can Do Now
Contact your water utility directly. Ask them:
- When they expect to complete their lead service line inventory
- Whether your specific address has been inventoried yet
- What treatment steps they take to control corrosion in pipes
- Whether they offer free or subsidized lead testing through your tap
Request a free water test. Many utilities provide free test kits or discounted lab analysis for lead. This is the only way to know if lead is present in your water right now.
If you have young children or are pregnant, the CDC recommends taking extra precautions: run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking, use bottled water for formula preparation, and consider a certified lead-reducing filter while you wait for your utility's inventory.
Next Steps for Residents
- Contact SOUTHEASTERN WATER ASSOC/NELSON VALLEY to ask about their lead service line inventory timeline and request testing information
- Request a free lead test kit from your utility if available
- If results show lead, ask about replacement programs or financial assistance
- For health concerns, contact your doctor or the CDC's lead information line
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 I have a lead service line?
Your water utility's lead service line inventory will show this. You can also contact them directly with your address. A plumber can also inspect your service line, though this may cost money. Until you know for sure, it's safe to assume you might have one and take precautions like flushing cold water before drinking.
Is lead in tap water dangerous?
Lead can harm brain development in children and cause other serious health problems. There is no safe level. Contact your pediatrician or the CDC if you're concerned about exposure. A free water test will tell you if lead is actually in your tap water.
What should I do if my water tested positive for lead?
Contact your water utility immediately—they may offer free replacement programs or partial funding. Also contact your doctor, especially if children under 6 live in your home. In the meantime, use bottled water for drinking and cooking, and run cold water for 30 seconds before use.
Why doesn't my utility have an inventory yet?
The federal deadline for lead service line inventories is October 2024. Your utility may still be completing records, digging up pipes to inspect, or waiting for an extension. Call them to ask where they stand.