City of Flowood Lead Service Line Inventory

The City of Flowood serves about 31,574 people in Mississippi. Like all US water utilities, Flowood is required to develop and maintain an inventory of lead service lines—the pipes that connect the water main to individual homes. This page explains what we know about Flowood's inventory status and what you can do next.

What is a lead service line?

A lead service line is the underground pipe running from the city's water main to your home. If your home was built before 1986 (when federal restrictions on lead in plumbing began), there's a higher chance your service line contains lead. Lead can leach into drinking water, especially if water is corrosive or sits in pipes for hours.

Flowood's inventory status

As of our last update, the City of Flowood has not yet completed a comprehensive inventory of lead service lines in its system. Total lines inventoried: 0. This doesn't mean there are no lead lines in Flowood—it means the utility has not yet finished the legal requirement to map and count them.

The EPA requires all water systems to complete their lead service line inventories. Flowood is working toward this deadline, though specific timelines and funding details are not publicly available yet.

What this means for your home

You cannot assume your service line is safe just because Flowood hasn't finished its inventory. If your home was built before 1986, assume your service line could contain lead. The safest steps:

• Test your water through a certified lab (ask Flowood for a list of approved labs or check the Mississippi Department of Health and Environmental Quality).
• Use cold water for drinking and cooking—lead leaches more readily from hot water lines.
• Run the tap for 30 seconds before using water, especially if it's been sitting overnight.
• Ask Flowood directly whether your specific address has a known lead service line.

Next steps for residents

• Contact the City of Flowood water department to ask about your home's service line status and request a water test.
• Check your water bill or visit Flowood's website for updates on inventory progress and lead awareness information.
• If your water tests positive for lead, consult the EPA's guidance on lead in drinking water and speak with your pediatrician if children live in your home.
• Ask about replacement programs—many utilities offer financial assistance to replace lead service lines.

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```json [ { "q": "How do I know if my house has a lead service line in Flowood?", "a": "Call the City of Flowood water department and give them your address. They may have partial records even if the full inventory isn't complete. You can also hire a plumber to inspect the line where it enters your home—lead is dull gray and can be scratched with a fingernail." }, { "q": "Is lead in Flowood's water a known problem?", "a": "There's no public record of widespread lead contamination in Flowood's system, but the incomplete inventory means the full picture isn't clear yet. The best approach is to test your water and take precautions if your home is older." }, { "q": "How long does it take to replace a lead service line?", "a": "A single replacement typically takes 1–3 days. Cost varies but can range from $3,000–$25,000 depending on line length and soil conditions. Contact Flowood to ask about rebates or grants that might offset costs." }, { "q": "Can I get my water tested for free in Flowood?", "a": "Contact the City of Flowood water department to ask about free or reduced-cost testing. The Mississippi Department of Health and Environmental Quality