CITY OF BOSSIER CITY WATER SYSTEM Lead Service Line Inventory

The City of Bossier City Water System serves approximately 78,960 people in Louisiana. Like all US water utilities, it is required by federal law to identify and report on lead service lines—the pipes that connect the water main to individual homes.

What we know right now

The City of Bossier City Water System has not yet completed or published a lead service line inventory. This means the utility has not finished the federally required mapping and count of how many lead service lines exist in its service area.

This is not unusual. The EPA's deadline for utilities to complete initial inventories was October 2024, and many systems—especially smaller ones—are still working through the process. An incomplete inventory does not mean your home is safe or unsafe; it means the data is not yet public.

Why this matters

Lead service lines are the most common source of lead in drinking water for homes served by older pipes. Lead can leach into water, especially when water is corrosive or pH levels are not properly managed. Even low levels of exposure over time can be a health concern, particularly for children and pregnant people.

If you live in Bossier City and your home was built before 1980 (or you're unsure), your home is more likely to have a lead service line. This is true citywide, not just in certain neighborhoods.

What you can do now

You don't need to wait for the city's official inventory to take action. You can:

• Contact the City of Bossier City Water System directly to ask about your property's service line material. Keep a record of their response.
• Have your water tested by a certified lab. Testing is inexpensive ($20–30) and shows whether lead is actually present in your drinking water right now.
• Use a filter certified for lead reduction (NSF/ANSI Standard 53) if you're concerned, while you gather more information.
• Check with your city on replacement programs or funding. Some utilities offer cost-sharing or free replacement of lead service lines.

If anyone in your home is a young child or pregnant, a pediatrician or your local health department can advise on next steps based on test results.

Next steps for residents

• Call the City of Bossier City Water System and ask about your service line material and when the lead inventory will be complete.
• Order an inexpensive lead test kit or contact a local certified lab to test your tap water.
• Review your home's age and construction records if available—homes built before 1980 are at higher risk.
• Ask the utility about lead line replacement programs or financial assistance in your area.

```json [ { "q": "How do I know if my house has a lead service line?", "a": "The best way is to contact your water utility and ask about your specific property. You can also look at your home's records if it was built before 1980—those homes are at higher risk. A plumber can also inspect the line where it enters your house." }, { "q": "Is it safe to drink water from a lead service line?", "a": "Lead can leach into water from old pipes, but it depends on water chemistry, flow, and other factors. The only way to know if lead is actually in your water is to have it tested. A simple test costs $20–30 and tells you what's really there." }, { "q": "When will Bossier City finish its lead service line inventory?", "a": "The utility is required by federal law to complete an inventory, but the exact timeline is not yet public. Contact the City of Bossier City Water System directly to ask when they expect to finish and share results." }, { "q": "What should I do if my child has been exposed to lead in water?", "a": "Talk to your pediatrician or call your local health department.