HOMER WATER SYSTEM Lead Service Line Inventory
What you should know
HOMER WATER SYSTEM serves 4,524 people in Louisiana. The utility draws its water from groundwater sources.
As of now, the utility has not completed a lead service line inventory. This means they haven't yet surveyed which homes are connected to the water main through lead pipes—a requirement under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
An inventory is the first step toward understanding lead risk in your home. Without it, neither you nor the utility has a complete picture of where lead service lines exist in the system.
Why this matters
Lead service lines are one of the primary sources of lead in drinking water. If your home was built before the 1980s and is connected through a lead service line, water sitting in those pipes overnight or over hours can pick up lead. This is especially important for families with young children or pregnant people, since lead exposure can affect development.
What HOMER WATER SYSTEM needs to do
Under federal rules, all water utilities must identify and map their lead and galvanized service lines. This includes:
- Inspecting water mains and customer connections
- Checking historical records (building permits, water department files)
- Testing water at the tap in homes where lead lines are likely
- Creating a public inventory anyone can access
What you can do now
Contact the utility directly. Ask them:
- Do they have records showing what material your service line is made of?
- Have they collected water samples from your home?
- When do they expect to complete their inventory?
You can also take action at your own home to reduce potential exposure while waiting for the inventory:
- Flush your cold water tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking or cooking if water has been sitting in pipes
- Use cold water for drinking and cooking (hot water dissolves lead faster)
- Have your water tested by a certified lab if you're concerned
For health questions, contact your pediatrician or the CDC's lead information line.
Next steps for residents
- Call HOMER WATER SYSTEM and ask about their lead service line inventory status and timeline.
- Request records of your home's service line material.
- Flush your tap before using water for drinking or cooking, especially first thing in the morning.
- Get your water tested through a certified laboratory if you have concerns about your specific home.
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 home has a lead service line?
Your water utility may have records of your service line material. You can also dig up a small section of the line near your home (or hire a plumber) to inspect it—lead is soft and gray, and will leave a mark if you scrape it with a knife. Testing your water is another way to check for lead at your tap.
Is lead in water dangerous?
Lead has no safe level of exposure. It's especially harmful to children under 6 and pregnant people. For health guidance, talk to your pediatrician or contact the CDC.
When will HOMER WATER SYSTEM finish their inventory?
The utility has not yet completed their lead service line inventory. Contact them directly to ask about their timeline and progress.
What should I do if I think my water has lead?
Flush your cold water tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, use cold water for cooking, and get your water tested by a certified lab. Contact your utility and a pediatrician if you're concerned about exposure.