CAROLINA TRACE WATER SYSTEM Lead Service Line Inventory
About this water system
CAROLINA TRACE WATER SYSTEM serves 4,516 people in North Carolina. The system draws from surface water sources.
Lead service line inventory status
As of now, CAROLINA TRACE WATER SYSTEM has not yet completed a public lead service line inventory. This means the utility has not yet published a count of how many homes are connected to lead pipes—or how many are not.
Why this matters: Lead service lines are the most common source of lead in drinking water. If your home was built before 1980, or if you don't know what material your service line is made of, there's a reasonable chance it could contain lead. An inventory helps residents understand their risk and plan next steps.
What should you do?
Contact your water utility directly to ask about the status of their lead service line inventory. They can tell you:
- Whether your specific address has a lead service line
- What steps they are taking to map the system
- Whether they have any interim recommendations (like water testing or flushing guidance)
The EPA requires all water systems to complete a full lead service line inventory by October 2024. If your utility hasn't shared results yet, ask when they expect to have that information available.
Other ways to protect yourself
You don't need to wait for an inventory to take action:
- Test your water. Contact your water utility to ask for a free lead test, or order a kit online. The CDC recommends testing if your home was built before 1986 or if you're pregnant or have young children.
- Flush your taps. If water has been sitting in pipes for more than 6 hours, run cold water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking or cooking.
- Use cold water for drinking and cooking. Hot water is more likely to leach lead from pipes and fixtures.
For health concerns, especially for children or pregnant people, speak with your pediatrician or contact the CDC.
Next steps for residents
- Call CAROLINA TRACE WATER SYSTEM and ask about lead service line inventory results for your address
- Request a free lead water test through your utility or local health department
- If you have a young child or are pregnant, talk to your doctor about lead exposure risks
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does CAROLINA TRACE WATER SYSTEM have lead in the water?
The water system has not yet published a full lead service line inventory. If your home was built before 1980, there's a risk your service line could be lead. Contact the utility to ask about your specific address, or request a free lead water test.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Contact CAROLINA TRACE WATER SYSTEM directly with your address—they may have records. You can also hire a plumber to inspect the line, or use a magnet test on visible pipe (lead is not magnetic). A water test won't tell you if the line is lead, but it will show if lead is in your water.
Is it safe to drink tap water from CAROLINA TRACE WATER SYSTEM?
The safest approach is to test your water if your home is older or if you're concerned. Run cold water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes after it's been sitting, use only cold water for drinking and cooking, and contact the utility or your doctor if you have specific health concerns.
When will CAROLINA TRACE WATER SYSTEM finish their lead service line inventory?
Federal law requires completion by October 2024. If results aren't public yet, call the utility and ask when they expect to share their findings and whether they can tell you about your address.