CITY OF STARKVILLE Lead Service Line Inventory
What you need to know
The City of Starkville serves about 32,000 people in Mississippi. Like many US water systems, Starkville uses a mix of pipes to deliver water—some of which may contain lead.
Lead service lines (the pipes connecting the water main to your home) are a known source of lead in drinking water. If your home was built before 1986, there's a higher chance your service line contains lead, since lead pipes were common and legal then.
What's the current status?
Starkville has not yet completed a full inventory of its lead service lines. This means the utility doesn't yet have a comprehensive count of how many lead pipes are in the system. This is not unusual—many water systems across the US are still in the early stages of inventorying work, which is a time-intensive process.
Without a finished inventory, it's hard to know the full scope of potential lead exposure in the system. However, the EPA has required all utilities to complete inventories by October 2024, and Starkville is expected to have results available to the public.
What should you do now?
If you're concerned about lead in your water, you don't need to wait for the inventory to be complete. You can take steps today:
- Contact Starkville's water utility directly to ask about your property's service line material. If your home is older, ask specifically whether your street or neighborhood has been assessed for lead lines.
- Get your water tested. A simple test costs $20–50 and will tell you whether lead is present in your tap water right now. Contact your local health department or a certified lab.
- Reduce exposure while you wait. If you're concerned about a young child, use cold tap water for drinking and cooking (hot water leaches lead faster), and flush your pipes for 30 seconds before use.
For health concerns, talk to your child's pediatrician or contact the CDC's lead hotline.
Next steps for residents
- Call or email the City of Starkville Water Utility to ask about your service line and when inventory results will be public
- Request a water test from a certified lab or your local health department
- Check the EPA's Lead and Copper Rule updates for national timelines
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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 I have a lead service line?
Contact your water utility and ask about your property's service line material. They may have records dating back decades. You can also look at the pipe where it enters your home—lead pipes are soft, dull gray, and can be scratched with a coin. But a professional plumber is the best source for a definitive answer.
Is lead in water dangerous?
Lead can harm brain development in young children and cause other health problems at any age. The CDC recommends testing water and taking steps to reduce exposure. Talk to your pediatrician if you're worried about a child's health.
When will Starkville have a complete lead service line inventory?
The EPA required all water systems to finish inventories by October 2024. Contact the City of Starkville Water Utility directly to ask when their inventory will be published and available to the public.
What does it cost to replace a lead service line?
Replacement costs vary widely depending on soil conditions and distance, but typically range from $3,000 to $10,000 per line. Some utilities offer cost-sharing programs or rebates. Ask your water utility about available assistance programs.