WARD II WATER DISTRICT Lead Service Line Inventory
What you need to know
WARD II WATER DISTRICT serves about 73,506 people in Louisiana. Like all U.S. water systems, it is required by federal law to identify and track lead service lines—the pipes that carry water from the main line to homes.
Current inventory status: The district has not yet completed a public lead service line inventory. This doesn't mean there are no lead pipes; it means the systematic identification work is still underway or the results haven't been made public yet.
Why this matters
Lead service lines can leach lead into drinking water, especially in homes with older plumbing. While modern treatment can reduce this risk, the only permanent solution is replacement. Federal rules now require water systems to map these lines and develop replacement plans.
If your home was built before the 1980s, or if you live in an older neighborhood, there's a higher chance your service line contains lead. The only way to know for sure is a test.
What WARD II WATER DISTRICT should provide
Your water system is required to:
- Complete an inventory of all service lines and note which are lead, galvanized (which can corrode and release lead), or non-lead
- Share results with customers and the public
- Develop a timeline to replace lead service lines
- Update this information annually
Next steps for residents
- Contact the district directly at the phone number or website listed for WARD II WATER DISTRICT to ask about their lead service line inventory status and timeline
- Request your home's service line material — the utility should be able to tell you or help you find out
- Test your water if you're concerned; contact the Louisiana Department of Health for approved labs
- Use a point-of-use filter certified for lead (NSF/ANSI Standard 53) while you investigate, especially if anyone under 6 or pregnant people live in your home
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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 home has a lead service line?
Contact WARD II WATER DISTRICT directly and ask what material your service line is made of. They should have records. You can also dig up the small area where the line enters your home and visually inspect it—lead pipes are dull gray and soft enough to scratch with a knife, while copper is shiny and reddish.
Is it safe to drink tap water if there might be lead in my service line?
It depends on your home's specific conditions (age of plumbing, water chemistry, how long water sits in pipes). A water test is the only way to know for sure. Using a point-of-use filter certified for lead (NSF/ANSI 53) reduces risk while you investigate.
Who pays to replace a lead service line?
That varies by utility and location. Contact WARD II WATER DISTRICT to ask about their replacement program. Some systems offer financial assistance or split costs with homeowners. Federal funding is becoming available to help cover these costs.
What should I do if my child has been drinking water with lead?
Contact your pediatrician. They may recommend a blood lead test. You can also call the CDC at 1-800-CDC-INFO or visit cdc.gov for guidance on reducing lead exposure in your home.