Lead Service Lines in INDEPENDENCE PWS
INDEPENDENCE PWS serves about 120,000 people in Missouri. If you're looking for information about lead service lines in your area, here's what you need to know.
What is a lead service line?
A lead service line is the underground pipe that connects the water main in the street to your house. These pipes were common in the US before lead was banned in 1986. Lead can leach into drinking water, especially if the water is corrosive or hasn't sat in the pipes for a while.
What does INDEPENDENCE PWS know about lead lines here?
INDEPENDENCE PWS has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines in its system. This means the utility has not yet documented which homes and buildings are served by lead pipes, galvanized steel pipes (which can also contain lead), or non-lead pipes.
The EPA requires all water systems to complete lead service line inventories by 2024 (with some limited extensions possible). INDEPENDENCE PWS is still working on this task.
Why should you care?
If your home is served by a lead service line, lead can enter your tap water. Risk is highest in homes where water has sat overnight or longer, and in homes with infants or young children. The CDC recommends testing your water if you're concerned, and flushing pipes before using water for drinking or cooking.
What you can do right now
Even without a complete inventory from the utility, you can take steps to protect your household:
- Test your water. INDEPENDENCE PWS can tell you where to get a low-cost test or may offer testing through the utility itself.
- Know your home's age. Homes built before 1950 are more likely to have lead service lines. Homes built after 1986 should not.
- Flush your pipes. Run cold water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using it for drinking or cooking, especially first thing in the morning.
- Use cold water for cooking and drinking. Hot water leaches lead faster than cold water.
Next steps for residents
- Contact INDEPENDENCE PWS directly to ask about lead service lines at your address and request information about their inventory progress.
- Get your water tested through your utility or a certified lab if you're concerned about lead.
- Talk to your pediatrician or check the CDC website if you have health questions, especially if children live in your home.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does INDEPENDENCE PWS have lead in the water?
INDEPENDENCE PWS has not completed a full inventory of lead service lines yet, so the utility does not have complete data. Lead in tap water comes from pipes, not the source water itself. Testing your home's water is the most direct way to know if lead is present.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Contact INDEPENDENCE PWS and ask about your address. You can also look at your water bill or property records, which sometimes note pipe material. A plumber can inspect the line where it enters your home to identify the material.
Is it safe to drink tap water in INDEPENDENCE PWS?
The utility tests water regularly and reports results to the public. If you're concerned about lead specifically, test your tap water and follow flushing practices (run cold water 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking). Contact the utility or your local health department for testing options.
When will INDEPENDENCE PWS finish its lead service line inventory?
The EPA requires completion by 2024. Contact INDEPENDENCE PWS directly to ask about their timeline and what information is available now about your address.