Lead Service Lines in THE CAPE MASTER SYSTEM
THE CAPE MASTER SYSTEM serves 11,587 people in North Carolina. If you live in this service area and worry about lead in your drinking water, here's what you need to know.
What is a lead service line?
A lead service line is the pipe connecting your home's water meter to the public water main buried under the street. If your service line contains lead, water sitting in that pipe overnight or between uses can pick up lead particles. Lead service lines were commonly installed before the 1980s but are occasionally found in newer homes.
What does THE CAPE MASTER SYSTEM know about lead?
The utility has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines in its system. This means the exact count of lead pipes—and which homes might be affected—remains unknown. Federal rules now require all water systems to map their lead service lines, so THE CAPE MASTER SYSTEM is working toward this goal, but the work is not finished.
Without a completed inventory, residents cannot easily find out whether their home has a lead service line just by calling the utility or checking online.
How can you find out if your home is at risk?
Contact THE CAPE MASTER SYSTEM directly and ask about your service line. Provide your address. Even if the utility doesn't have a complete map yet, staff may be able to tell you:
- The age of your home and when your area was developed
- What materials were commonly used in your neighborhood
- Whether your property record shows a lead service line
You can also hire a licensed plumber to inspect the pipe at your property line, though this costs money and may require digging.
What should you do right now?
If you have young children or are pregnant, lead exposure is a real health concern. The CDC recommends:
- Running cold water for 30 seconds before drinking it (flushes standing water from pipes)
- Not using hot tap water for cooking or drinking
- Asking your pediatrician about lead testing if you're worried
If your utility eventually confirms a lead service line at your address, ask about replacement programs or financial assistance. Many states and water systems now offer cost-sharing.
Next steps for residents
- Contact THE CAPE MASTER SYSTEM and ask whether they have inventory data for your address
- Run your tap water for 30 seconds before drinking it, especially in the morning
- If you have children under 6, discuss lead exposure risk with your pediatrician
- Check back periodically as the utility completes its lead service line inventory
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 my house has a lead service line?
Contact THE CAPE MASTER SYSTEM with your address. Since the system's inventory is not yet complete, ask utility staff what materials were used in your neighborhood or when your property was built. You can also hire a licensed plumber to inspect your service line directly.
Is lead in water dangerous for kids?
Yes. Lead can harm children's brain development and learning. Talk to your pediatrician about your specific risk. For current CDC guidance on lead and children, visit cdc.gov.
What can I do right now to reduce lead exposure?
Run cold tap water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking, and never use hot tap water for drinking or food preparation. These steps help flush out water that has been sitting in pipes.
Will THE CAPE MASTER SYSTEM replace my lead service line?
As the utility completes its inventory, ask directly about replacement programs or cost-sharing options. Many water systems now offer financial assistance for lead service line removal.