BARNES RURAL WATER DISTRICT Lead Service Line Inventory
About This Water System
BARNES RURAL WATER DISTRICT serves 4,938 people in North Dakota. The system draws from groundwater sources.
Lead Service Line Inventory Status
As of our last update, BARNES RURAL WATER DISTRICT has not yet completed a public lead service line (LSL) inventory. This means the utility has not yet published a detailed count or map of which homes are connected to lead pipes.
What this means for you: You cannot currently look up your specific address in a public database to confirm whether your service line contains lead. However, this does not mean your water is unsafe—it means the inventory work is still in progress.
What Is a Lead Service Line?
A service line is the pipe that carries water from the main water line under the street into your home. If this pipe is made of lead, it can gradually release lead into your drinking water, especially if the water is corrosive (acidic). Lead is a neurotoxin; exposure is particularly concerning for children under age 6 and pregnant people.
Many homes built before 1986 have lead service lines, though some older and newer homes do as well.
What You Can Do Now
Even without a completed inventory, you have options:
Get your water tested. Contact your water utility directly and ask about free or low-cost testing. A simple test can tell you whether lead is present in your tap water at the point of use.
Ask your utility directly. Call BARNES RURAL WATER DISTRICT and ask:
- Do you know if my address has a lead service line?
- When will the inventory be publicly available?
- Do you offer water testing?
Use a filter if concerned. NSF-certified filters marked for lead reduction can reduce lead in your drinking water while you wait for more information.
For health questions, consult your pediatrician or the CDC's guidance on lead exposure.
Next Steps for Residents
- Contact your utility to ask about lead service line status at your address and water testing availability.
- Request a water test to check for lead contamination at your tap.
- Check back as inventories are completed and made public—BARNES RURAL WATER DISTRICT may post results within 1–2 years.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does BARNES RURAL WATER DISTRICT have lead in the water?
A lead service line does not automatically mean your water contains lead—it depends on your water's chemistry and the condition of your pipes. The only way to know for sure is to test your water. Contact the utility to request a free or low-cost test.
How do I find out if my home has a lead service line?
Call BARNES RURAL WATER DISTRICT directly and ask about your specific address. You can also check your property records or have a plumber inspect the pipe where it enters your home. A public inventory is in development but not yet available.
Is lead service line water safe to drink?
Lead in drinking water poses health risks, especially for young children and pregnant people. If you're concerned, get your water tested and consider using an NSF-certified lead-reduction filter while you gather more information.
When will BARNES RURAL WATER DISTRICT publish a lead service line inventory?
Federal rules require utilities to complete inventories by specific deadlines (2024–2026 depending on system size). Contact the utility directly to ask about their timeline and when results will be public.