COLUMBUS LIGHT & WATER Lead Service Line Inventory
About this water system
Columbus Light & Water serves approximately 23,616 people in Mississippi. The utility draws its water from groundwater sources.
Lead service line inventory status
As of now, COLUMBUS LIGHT & WATER has not yet completed a lead service line inventory. This means the utility has not yet systematically identified which homes are connected to the water main via lead pipes—the primary pathway for lead to enter drinking water.
Under the EPA's Lead and Copper Rule, all water systems are required to:
- Complete a full service line inventory by October 2024
- Identify the material of every pipe connecting homes to the water main
- Develop a plan to replace lead service lines over time
Where things stand: We don't currently have records showing the inventory has been finished or how many lead, galvanized, or non-lead lines this utility has identified. This does not mean the system is unsafe—it means the data isn't yet public or available through this directory.
What you can do now
Contact your utility directly. Columbus Light & Water can tell you:
- Whether your address has a lead service line (they may have partial records even if a full inventory isn't public yet)
- What year your house was built (lead service lines were common before 1986)
- Whether they offer free or subsidized replacement programs
- How to request a free water test
Get your water tested. Even if your service line isn't lead, corrosion or other issues can introduce lead. A simple test is cheap and gives you a baseline.
Reduce exposure in the meantime. If you're concerned, use a lead filter (NSF-certified) on drinking and cooking water, run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, and flush aerators regularly.
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Next steps for residents
- Call or visit the utility's website to ask about your specific address and any available replacement programs.
- Request a free water test from the utility or a certified lab to know your baseline.
- Check your pipes under the sink—lead service lines are dull gray, soft enough to scratch with a key, and non-magnetic.
- Talk to your pediatrician if you have children under 6; they can advise on testing and precautions specific to your home.
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 I have a lead service line?
Lead pipes are dull gray, soft, and non-magnetic (a magnet won't stick). You can see the line where it enters your home under the sink or in the basement. Contact Columbus Light & Water—they may have records of your line's material based on installation date or prior work.
Is my water safe to drink right now?
The only way to know is to test it. Contact Columbus Light & Water or a certified lab for a free or low-cost lead test. Even homes with lead service lines don't always have elevated lead in the water—it depends on corrosion control, water pH, and other factors.
What should I do if my service line is lead?
Ask your utility about replacement programs, grants, or financing options. In the meantime, use an NSF-certified lead filter on drinking and cooking water, and run cold water for 30 seconds before using it.
When will Columbus Light & Water finish its inventory?
All water systems were required to complete inventories by October 2024. Contact the utility directly to confirm their timeline and ask for updates on their progress.