Lead Service Line Inventory for CALCASIEU PARISH WW DISTRICT NO 5
What is this utility's lead service line status?
CALCASIEU PARISH WW DISTRICT NO 5 serves about 5,388 people in Louisiana. The utility draws water from groundwater sources.
As of now, the utility has not completed a lead service line inventory. This means they have not yet systematically identified which homes and buildings are connected to the water system with lead service lines—the pipes that run from the water main under the street to your home.
Federal law requires all water systems to complete this inventory by October 2024. If your utility has not finished, they may still be in the process of collecting this information from property records, field surveys, or both.
Why does this matter?
Lead service lines are a primary source of lead in drinking water. Even if your water utility treats the water properly at the treatment plant, lead can leach into your water as it travels through these old pipes—especially in homes built before 1986, when lead pipes were common.
The EPA and CDC have both stated there is no safe level of lead in drinking water, especially for children under age 6 and pregnant people.
What should I do?
1. Contact your utility directly to ask: - Whether your home or building has a lead service line - What testing options are available - When they expect to complete their inventory and share results publicly
2. Get your water tested if you're concerned. Your utility may offer free or low-cost testing kits. You can also purchase a test yourself through a certified lab.
3. If you want health guidance, especially if you have young children, speak with your pediatrician or contact the CDC's lead information line.
4. Consider interim steps while waiting for a full inventory: use a point-of-use filter certified to remove lead (NSF Standard 53), or use bottled water for drinking and cooking until you know your home's service line material.
Next steps for residents
- Call CALCASIEU PARISH WW DISTRICT NO 5 and ask about their lead service line inventory progress and your home's status
- Request a free water test from your utility if available
- Have young children or pregnant household members? Talk to your doctor about lead exposure risk
- Visit the EPA's lead page for guidance on filters and testing
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 should tell you. If they haven't completed it yet, you can call and ask based on your address, or a plumber can inspect the service line entering your home. Lead is soft, dull gray, and can be scratched with a coin.
Is the water in Louisiana safe to drink?
Louisiana water systems are required to meet EPA safety standards, but lead service lines can introduce lead between the main and your home. Your utility should be able to tell you whether your specific property has a lead service line.
What should I do right now while waiting for the inventory?
You can request a free or low-cost water test from your utility. If you have young children, consider using bottled water or a lead-removal filter (NSF 53 certified) until you know your service line material.
When will the utility finish their lead service line inventory?
Federal law requires completion by October 2024. Contact your utility directly to ask about their timeline and when results will be available to the public.