Lead Service Line Inventory for ST LOUIS CITY PWS

What you need to know

ST LOUIS CITY PWS serves about 304,700 people in Missouri. Like many older water systems across the US, this utility may have lead service lines—the pipes that connect the main water line under the street to homes built before the 1980s.

Lead service lines are a real concern because lead can leach into drinking water, especially in homes with older plumbing. The good news: you can find out whether your home has one, and if it does, there are steps you can take right now.

Current inventory status

ST LOUIS CITY PWS has not yet completed a full public inventory of lead service lines in its system. This means the utility hasn't published a count of how many lead, non-lead, or unknown lines exist in its service area, or a list you can check for your address.

This doesn't mean your water isn't safe to drink right now—municipal water is treated and tested regularly. It does mean you won't find your home's pipe type through the utility's public inventory at this moment.

What happens next

Federal law requires all water utilities to complete a lead service line inventory by October 2024. ST LOUIS CITY PWS is working toward that deadline. Once the inventory is complete, you'll be able to search it (usually online or by contacting the utility) to find out what type of service line your home has.

Until then, you can:

• Call the utility directly and ask whether your home address has a known lead service line.
• Check your home's age and pipe material if you have access to the basement or a plumbing diagram.
• Use a water filter certified for lead reduction if you're concerned about water quality while you wait for inventory results.

If your home does have a lead service line, the utility may offer a replacement program with partial or full funding. That's worth asking about now.

Health questions

If you have concerns about lead exposure—especially if you have young children or are pregnant—contact your doctor or the CDC's hotline for guidance on testing and prevention.

Next steps for residents

• Contact ST LOUIS CITY PWS directly at their main number to ask about lead service line inventory status and whether your address is included.
• Request your home's service line information by address—some utilities can tell you even before the full inventory is public.
• Ask about replacement programs and funding if you learn you have a lead line.
• Use a point-of-use water filter (NSF/ANSI 53 certified for lead) while you gather information about your line.

```json [ { "q": "How do I know if my house has a lead service line?", "a": "You can contact ST LOUIS CITY PWS and ask them to check your address in their records. If they don't have your specific line type yet, a licensed plumber can inspect the connection at your property line or basement to identify the pipe material." }, { "q": "Is it safe to drink my tap water if I have a lead service line?", "a": "Municipal water is treated and tested regularly, so it's generally safe. However, lead can leach from old pipes, especially in homes with corrosive water or stagnant water that sits overnight. Using a certified lead-reduction filter and letting water run for 30 seconds before drinking can reduce risk." }, { "q": "What should I do if I'm worried about lead in my water?", "a": "Contact your pediatrician or the CDC if you're concerned about exposure, especially with young children. For immediate action, install a point-of-use filter (NSF/ANSI 53 certified for lead) and ask your utility about free or reduced-cost service line replacement programs." }, { "q": "When will ST LOUIS CITY PWS publish its lead service line inventory?", "a": "