HILLDALE WATER DISTRICT Lead Service Line Inventory

What you need to know

Hilldale Water District serves about 5,600 people in Mississippi. The district has not yet completed an inventory of lead service lines in its water system—meaning it hasn't surveyed which homes and buildings are connected by lead pipes.

Lead service lines are pipes that carry water from the main water line under the street into a building. If your home was built before the 1980s, there's a meaningful chance your service line contains lead. Lead can leach into your drinking water, especially if the water is corrosive or your pipes are old.

Why an inventory matters

Federal law requires water systems to identify and plan for replacing lead service lines. An inventory is the first step. Once a utility knows where lead lines are, it can create a replacement schedule, apply for funding, and notify customers so they can take protective steps (like using a water filter certified for lead).

Hilldale Water District has not yet inventoried its system. This means residents don't have official confirmation of whether their service line is lead, galvanized, copper, or plastic—information that's important for your health decisions.

What you can do now

Contact Hilldale Water District directly. Ask:

• Whether your home's service line has been tested or identified
• If a lead service line inventory is planned and when it will be complete
• Whether your water has been tested for lead (utilities are required to sample for lead at the tap)
• What water filters they recommend if you're concerned

Get your water tested. You can request a free or low-cost test through your state or local health department, or purchase a certified lead test kit online. Testing is the only way to know if lead is present in your home's water right now.

Know the health facts. Lead in drinking water is a real concern, especially for infants and young children. For guidance on reducing exposure, contact your pediatrician or the CDC.

Next steps for residents

• Call Hilldale Water District to ask about your service line and request a lead test of your tap water
• Contact your county or state health department to learn about free or low-cost water testing options
• If you have young children, talk to your pediatrician about lead exposure risk and any testing they recommend
• Look up certified water filters on NSF International's website if you want extra protection while waiting for system-wide testing and replacement

```json [ { "q": "Does Hilldale Water District have lead in the water?", "a": "Hilldale Water District has not yet completed a lead service line inventory, so there's no official data on how many lead pipes serve the system. The only way to know if your home has lead in the water is to have it tested. Contact the district or your health department to request a free or low-cost test." }, { "q": "How do I know if my service line is lead?", "a": "Contact Hilldale Water District and ask if your address has been surveyed. You can also look at your service line where it enters your home (if visible)—lead is dull gray, soft enough to scratch with a coin, and magnetic tests don't stick to it. A plumber can also inspect or test for you." }, { "q": "Is lead in water dangerous?", "a": "Lead in drinking water is a health concern, especially for young children and pregnant people. For specific health risks and advice on protecting your family, contact your pediatrician or visit the CDC website. Even small amounts of lead exposure matter over time." }, { "q": "What should I do if I'm worried about lead in my tap water?", "a": "Get your water tested—it's the fastest way to know for sure. In the meantime, consider using a water filter certified for lead removal (look for NSF/ANSI 53 certification). Contact your utility or health department for testing options and the district