Lead Service Lines in Union County Water System
Union County Water System serves about 167,554 people across North Carolina. Like all US water systems, it's required by federal law to identify and track lead service lines—the pipes that connect homes to the main water line.
What we know about your water system
Union County Water System draws water from surface sources (rivers or lakes). The system has not yet completed a public inventory of lead service lines, or that information isn't currently available here.
This doesn't mean there are no lead pipes in the system. It means the utility is still in the process of identifying them. Federal rules require water systems to find and catalog all lead service lines by 2024, with plans to replace them by 2027.
Why this matters
Lead can dissolve into drinking water when it travels through old pipes. Even small amounts can be harmful, especially to children under 6 and pregnant people. The only way to know if your home has a lead service line is to check with your water utility or have a plumber inspect the pipe coming into your house.
What Union County Water System should do
Your utility is required to:
- Complete a full inventory of all lead service lines
- Share that information with you (usually by address lookup or public map)
- Develop a plan and timeline to replace lead lines
- Use available federal funding to accelerate replacements
Next steps for residents
- Contact Union County Water System directly to ask if your address has a known or suspected lead service line. They may have partial data even if a full inventory isn't public yet.
- Request a water quality test or hire a certified lab if you want to know your water's current lead level (about $20–50).
- Consider a point-of-use filter (pitcher or faucet type certified for lead) as a temporary measure while waiting for pipe replacement.
- Talk to your doctor if you have health concerns—they can order blood lead tests if needed.
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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
Does Union County Water System have lead service lines?
Union County Water System has not yet published a complete public inventory. Lead service lines may be present in the system—most older water systems have some—but you need to contact your utility directly to find out if your home's service line is lead.
How do I find out if my house has a lead service line?
Call Union County Water System and ask about your address. They may have records of your service line material. You can also hire a licensed plumber to inspect the pipe entering your home (usually near the water meter or where the line enters the foundation).
Is lead in water dangerous?
Lead in drinking water can harm brain development in young children and cause other health problems. The CDC recommends testing children's blood lead levels if lead exposure is possible. Talk to your pediatrician for specific guidance.
What should I do if I'm worried about lead right now?
Use a water filter certified to reduce lead (NSF/ANSI 53), run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, and avoid hot tap water for drinking or cooking. Contact your utility about their lead replacement timeline and whether you qualify for assistance programs.