City of Meridian Lead Service Line Inventory

The City of Meridian serves 34,466 residents in Mississippi. Like all US water systems, Meridian is required to inventory its lead service lines—the pipes that connect homes to the water main. This page tells you what we know about Meridian's inventory status and what you can do if you're concerned about lead in your water.

What is a lead service line?

A lead service line is a pipe made partly or wholly of lead. These pipes were common in homes built before the 1980s. Water sitting in lead pipes can pick up lead, which is a neurotoxin that poses particular risk to young children and pregnant people.

Not all old pipes are lead. Some homes have copper, iron, or plastic. The only way to know for sure is to test your water or have a licensed plumber inspect the line where it enters your home.

What we know about Meridian's inventory

The City of Meridian has not yet publicly reported the results of its lead service line inventory. This means either the system is still conducting its survey, or the data has not yet been added to public records.

Federal law requires water systems to complete and maintain an inventory of all known and suspected lead service lines. If you want to know the current status of Meridian's inventory work, your best source is the utility directly.

How to find out if your home has a lead service line

Contact the City of Meridian water utility. Ask whether your specific address is known to have a lead service line, is galvanized (which can also leach lead), or is confirmed lead-free. Most utilities maintain address-level records even if they haven't published a full inventory online yet.

You can also test your water. A simple lead test costs $20–30 and takes a few days. If your water tests above 15 ppb (parts per billion), the EPA considers it unsafe for drinking, and you should take action. Contact your utility or a certified lab in Mississippi to arrange testing.

Have a plumber inspect your line. If you know your home was built before 1980, a licensed plumber can often tell you what your service line is made of just by looking at it where it enters your home.

What's next?

If you find lead, point-of-use filters (pitcher filters, faucet filters) reduce lead in drinking and cooking water, though they're not a perfect fix. Long-term, the best solution is replacement. Some utilities offer rebates or financing; ask Meridian about programs available to you.

---

```json [ { "q": "How do I know if my house in Meridian has a lead service line?", "a": "Contact the City of Meridian water utility and ask about your address. They maintain records of known lead lines, galvanized pipes, and confirmed non-lead pipes. You can also hire a plumber to inspect the line where it enters your home, or have your water tested for lead." }, { "q": "Is lead in Meridian's water dangerous?", "a": "Lead in drinking water is a health concern, especially for children under 6 and pregnant people. If you're concerned about health effects, consult your pediatrician or the CDC website. The best step is to test your water and, if lead is present, take measures to reduce exposure." }, { "q": "What should I do if my water tests positive for lead?", "a": "Use bottled water or point-of-use filters (pitcher, faucet, or undersink) for drinking and cooking until you can arrange a fix. Contact the City of Meridian about replacement programs, rebates, or financing options. Long-term, replacing the lead line is the most effective solution." }, { "q": "When will Meridian replace lead service lines?", "a": "Contact the City of Meridian water utility directly to ask about their lead replacement schedule and any available assistance programs.