OFALLON PWS Lead Service Line Inventory
What you need to know
OFALLON PWS serves 32,515 people in Missouri. The utility draws water from surface sources (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), which typically require treatment to prevent lead from leaching into pipes.
Right now, the utility has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines in their system. This is a common situation—many water systems across the US are still in the early stages of mapping which homes have lead pipes.
Lead service lines are the pipes that run from the water main (under the street) to your home. If your line is lead, water sitting in it overnight can accumulate lead particles. The EPA requires water utilities to identify and publicly report on these lines, and to develop plans to replace them.
What this means for you
An incomplete inventory doesn't mean your water is unsafe right now—it means the utility hasn't finished determining how many lead lines they have. You can still take steps today:
- Contact OFALLON PWS directly to ask if your specific address has a known lead service line.
- Request a free water test from the utility or a certified lab. If lead is detected, use a water filter certified for lead removal, or switch to bottled water for drinking and cooking until your line is replaced.
- Check your home's age and records. Homes built before 1980 are more likely to have lead lines; homes after 2000 almost never do.
The utility may be receiving federal funding (through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law or other programs) to accelerate inventory work and replacements. Ask them about timelines and whether your neighborhood is prioritized.
Next steps for residents
- Call or email OFALLON PWS and ask: "Does my address have a lead service line?" (Have your street address ready.)
- Request a water quality test for lead, especially if you have young children or pregnant household members.
- Visit the EPA's page on lead in drinking water for guidance on filters, bottled water, and flushing protocols.
- Keep an eye on utility communications for updates on their lead line replacement plan.
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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 house has a lead service line?
Contact OFALLON PWS with your street address and ask. You can also check your home's age and records—lines installed before 1980 are more likely to be lead. The utility may be able to tell you based on historical construction records or a visual inspection of the line where it enters your home.
Is my drinking water safe if I have a lead service line?
Lead enters water mainly when it sits in the pipe overnight or for hours. Running the tap for 30 seconds to a minute before drinking can help flush it out. For the most accurate answer, request a water test from the utility; if lead is detected, use a certified lead-removal filter or bottled water for drinking and cooking.
Will my water utility replace my lead service line?
It depends on the utility's replacement plan and funding. Contact OFALLON PWS to ask about their lead line replacement program, timeline, and whether your address is included. Federal infrastructure funds are available to help many utilities accelerate replacements.
What should I do if I'm worried about lead exposure?
For health concerns, contact your pediatrician or the CDC. For water safety, request a free lead test from the utility, use a certified lead filter, or switch to bottled water for drinking and cooking while you work with your water system on a solution.