CITY OF COLUMBIA UTILITIES Lead Service Line Inventory
About This Water System
The City of Columbia Utilities serves approximately 126,254 people in Missouri. The system draws water from groundwater sources.
Lead Service Line Status
This water utility has not yet completed a full lead service line (LSL) inventory. That means the exact number of lead pipes delivering water to homes in Columbia is unknown.
Under the 2021 Lead and Copper Rule Revision, all U.S. water systems must inventory their lead service lines by October 2024. Inventories help utilities and homeowners understand where lead pipes exist and plan replacements.
What You Should Know
Lead service lines are a real source of lead in drinking water, especially in older homes built before 1986. If your home was built before the 1990s, there's a higher chance your connection includes a lead pipe.
Until Columbia Utilities completes its inventory, you won't know for certain whether your home has a lead line. However, you can:
- Contact the utility directly and ask about your specific address. They may have partial records even if a full inventory isn't published.
- Have your water tested by a certified lab. An inexpensive test (often $20–50) reveals whether lead is actually present in your tap water—the real health concern. High levels of lead in water can pose health risks, particularly for children under six and pregnant people.
- Use a water filter rated for lead removal (NSF Standard 53 or 58) as a temporary measure while awaiting clarity on your service line.
The presence of a lead service line doesn't automatically mean your water contains dangerous lead levels—corrosion control treatment and water chemistry matter too. But lead lines are always a risk factor worth investigating.
Next Steps for Residents
- Contact City of Columbia Utilities to ask whether your address has a known or suspected lead service line.
- Request a water test through your utility or a certified lab to check for lead in your tap water.
- Check the utility's website regularly for updates on the lead service line inventory completion timeline.
- If lead is detected, speak with your pediatrician or contact the CDC for guidance on reducing exposure.
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 City of Columbia Utilities with your address—they may have records. You can also hire a plumber to inspect your line or have your water tested by a certified lab to check for lead contamination.
Is lead in water dangerous?
Lead is a neurotoxin that can harm children's brain development and cause other health problems. For specific health concerns, consult your pediatrician or the CDC website.
Can I remove lead from my tap water myself?
Yes—use a water filter certified for lead removal (NSF Standard 53 or 58), or boil water and let sediment settle. However, filters are temporary; replacing the lead line is the only permanent fix.
When will Columbia Utilities finish its lead service line inventory?
Federal law requires completion by October 2024. Contact the utility directly for their specific timeline and when results will be available to the public.