SOUTHWEST WATER AUTHORITY Lead Service Line Inventory
About This Water System
Southwest Water Authority serves 8,537 people in North Dakota. Like all US water utilities, it is required by federal law to inventory its lead service lines—the pipes that connect the water main under the street to individual homes.
What We Know About Lead Service Lines Here
This water system has not yet made its lead service line inventory publicly available through LeadPipeLookup. That means we don't have confirmed counts of lead pipes, galvanized pipes (which can leach lead), or unknown pipe types in this service area.
This does not mean there are no lead service lines. Many water systems across the country have lead pipes installed before the 1980s, when lead was widely used in plumbing. The only way to know if your home has a lead service line is to check directly with your water utility or hire a plumber to inspect your property.
How to Find Your Water System's Inventory
Contact Southwest Water Authority directly and ask for their lead service line inventory. By law, they must provide this information. You can request:
- Whether your address is listed as having a lead service line
- A map or list of affected properties
- Their plan and timeline for replacing lead pipes
- Any water quality testing results for your home
If the utility has received federal funding to replace lead service lines, ask about application processes and eligibility.
Protecting Your Family
If you suspect or know you have a lead service line:
- Test your water. Contact your water utility about free or low-cost testing kits.
- Use cold water for drinking and cooking. Hot water leaches more lead from pipes.
- Flush your tap. Run water for 30 seconds before using it, especially first thing in the morning.
- Consult a pediatrician if you have young children or pregnant household members. The CDC has guidance on lead exposure risks.
Lead pipes are a community issue, not just a household one. Utilities must replace them as part of long-term infrastructure plans.
Next Steps for Residents
- Contact Southwest Water Authority and request your home's lead service line status
- Ask whether your utility has a replacement program or timeline
- Request a free water test if available
- Keep records of any utility communications about lead pipes
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 in North Dakota?
Contact Southwest Water Authority directly—they're required by law to tell you. You can also hire a plumber to inspect the pipe where it enters your home. It's usually in the basement or crawl space near the water meter.
Is it safe to drink tap water if I have a lead service line?
It depends on the condition of your pipe and your home's water chemistry. The safest approach: use a certified water filter, use cold water for drinking and cooking, and flush your tap for 30 seconds before use. Ask your water utility for a free test.
Does Southwest Water Authority have a program to replace lead pipes?
Contact the utility directly to ask about their replacement timeline and whether they've received federal funding for lead pipe removal. Many systems are developing plans now, but timelines vary widely.
What should I do if my child has been exposed to lead?
Talk to your pediatrician. They can discuss testing and monitoring options. The CDC website also has guidance on lead exposure risks for children and pregnant people.