Lead Service Lines in South Central Regional Water District
What you need to know
South Central Regional Water District serves about 3,700 people in North Dakota. Like many water systems across the US, this utility is required by federal law to identify and track lead service lines—the pipes that carry water from the main water line under the street to individual homes.
Current inventory status
The district has not yet completed a lead service line inventory. This means the utility has not finished identifying which homes may be served by lead pipes. The district is still in the early stages of this required work.
This does not mean your home has a lead service line. It means the utility hasn't finished the survey yet. Many homes built after 1986 are unlikely to have lead pipes, since federal law banned their use that year. But without a completed inventory, neither you nor the utility knows for certain which homes are affected.
What happens next
Federal law requires water systems to complete their lead service line inventories and share the results with customers. The timeline varies, but most utilities must finish this work within the next few years.
When the inventory is complete, South Central Regional Water District should notify residents about the results and what options are available—which may include testing, treatment, or pipe replacement.
Protecting your water in the meantime
If you're concerned about lead, you can:
- Request a test: Contact the utility to ask about free or low-cost lead testing of your tap water. They may offer this service now, even before the full inventory is done.
- Use a filter: A certified lead-reducing filter on your kitchen tap can lower lead levels while you wait for more information.
- Flush your pipes: Run cold water for 30 seconds before using it for drinking or cooking—this reduces lead that may have accumulated overnight.
For health concerns, especially if you have young children, talk to your pediatrician or contact the CDC.
Next steps for residents
- Contact South Central Regional Water District to ask when the lead service line inventory will be complete and how you'll be notified of results.
- Request information about whether your home has been tested or surveyed yet.
- Ask whether the utility offers free water testing for lead.
- If you have young children in your home, discuss any concerns with your pediatrician.
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?
The best way is to contact your water utility and ask if your address has been surveyed yet. You can also look at the underground pipe where it enters your home—bare lead is soft and gray, and a magnet won't stick to it. But a professional inspection is more reliable.
Is lead in water dangerous for kids?
Lead exposure can affect children's development. For specific health guidance about your child, talk to your pediatrician or visit the CDC website on lead in drinking water.
Do I need to replace my lead service line right away?
Not necessarily right away, but replacement is the only permanent solution. Many utilities offer financial assistance or payment plans. Contact your water system to ask about programs available in your area.
Can I drink tap water if I have a lead service line?
It depends on your water's chemistry and how old the pipe is. A certified water test can tell you if lead is actually in your water. In the meantime, flushing lines and using filters can reduce exposure.