Lead Service Lines at University of MS Medical Center Water System

What you need to know

University of MS Medical Center serves about 7,800 people and draws its water from groundwater sources. The water system has not yet completed a public inventory of lead service lines—the pipes that may carry water from the main water line into buildings.

Lead service lines are a real concern because lead can leach into water over time, especially in older systems. However, most people whose water comes through lead pipes do not have unsafe levels of lead, particularly if water sits in pipes for short periods and the water is not corrosive. That said, lead has no safe level, and infants, young children, and pregnant people face the greatest risk.

Why an inventory matters

Federal law now requires water systems to map out which service lines contain lead. This inventory helps both the water utility and residents understand where the risk is highest. Without a completed inventory, it's hard to know whether your building is served by a lead line—and if so, what steps to take.

What the data shows

As of now, University of MS Medical Center has not publicly reported how many service lines it has identified or what materials those lines are made of. The system is still working on its lead service line inventory.

What you should do

Even without a complete inventory, you can protect yourself and your family:

• Test your water if you're concerned. A simple water test costs $20–50 and tells you whether lead is present at your tap. Contact your local health department or a certified laboratory.
• Use cold water for drinking and cooking. Hot water dissolves lead faster than cold water. If your tap hasn't been used for several hours, run it for 30 seconds before filling a glass.
• Ask your water utility directly. Contact University of MS Medical Center's water department and ask whether your building's service line is lead or an alternative material. Keep pushing for an answer—you're entitled to this information.
• If you have young children, talk to your pediatrician about whether a blood lead test makes sense for your family.

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Next steps for residents

• Contact University of MS Medical Center's water system directly to ask about your building's service line material and request updates on their inventory progress.
• Test your tap water through your local health department or a certified lab.
• If lead is detected, install a certified lead-removing filter on taps used for drinking and cooking.
• Share concerns with your building manager or landlord—they may have records about the service line.

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Does University of MS Medical Center have lead in its water?

The water system serves about 7,800 people and hasn't yet published a complete lead service line inventory. Lead levels in drinking water depend on whether your building has a lead service line and how corrosive the water is. Contact the utility directly for information about your specific location.

How do I know if my water line is lead?

Call University of MS Medical Center's water department and ask whether your building's service line is made of lead. You can also have your water tested for lead at a certified lab, which typically costs $20–50.

Is it safe to drink water from a lead service line?

Lead has no safe level, especially for infants, young children, and pregnant people. However, lead doesn't always leach into water—it depends on the water's chemistry and how long it sits in the pipe. Testing is the only way to know if lead is actually in your water.

What should I do if I'm worried about lead in my family's water?

Test your tap water and run cold water for 30 seconds after the tap hasn't been used for hours. If lead is found, use a certified filter for drinking and cooking water. Talk to your pediatrician if you have young children.