NORTHWEST RURAL WATER DISTRICT Lead Service Line Inventory
What you need to know
NORTHWEST RURAL WATER DISTRICT serves about 5,100 people in North Dakota. The water system draws from surface water sources.
As of now, this water system has not yet completed a public lead service line inventory. That means the utility hasn't published a count of homes with lead pipes, galvanized pipes, or confirmed lead-free lines.
This doesn't mean there's no lead in the system—it means the data isn't available yet. Federal law requires all water systems to complete a lead service line inventory by October 2024 (with some extensions possible). If your system hasn't published one, contact them directly to ask for their progress and timeline.
Why this matters
Lead service lines are pipes that connect your home to the water main under the street. Lead can leach into water, especially in homes with acidic water or stagnant water left sitting in pipes. Children and pregnant people are most vulnerable.
If you're concerned about lead in your home's water:
- A water test is the only way to know for sure. You can buy a test kit online or contact your local health department for options.
- Flushing the tap helps reduce lead from pipes in some situations, but it's not a complete solution.
- For health questions, especially if you have young children, talk to your pediatrician or contact the CDC's lead information line.
Next steps for residents
- Contact NORTHWEST RURAL WATER DISTRICT directly and ask: "Do you have a lead service line inventory available, and if not, when will it be published?"
- Request a water test through your utility or local health department
- Check your property records or talk to your neighbors to find out if your home was built during an era when lead pipes were common (pre-1980s, especially pre-1950s)
- Review your utility's water quality report (called a Consumer Confidence Report), which may include additional lead testing data
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 only way to know is to have your water tested or request your property records from your water utility. If your home was built before 1980, lead pipes are more likely. You can also dig up a small section of pipe at the property line, but testing water is easier and tells you what matters: whether lead is actually in your water.
Is it safe to drink water from a lead service line?
It depends on how much lead is in the water. A single test won't tell you the whole story since lead levels change. If you're concerned, especially with young children at home, contact your pediatrician and have your water tested. You can reduce risk by flushing the tap before drinking and using cold water for cooking and drinking.
Why hasn't my water system published a lead inventory yet?
Completing a lead service line inventory is a large task for smaller water systems. Federal deadlines allow some extensions. Call your utility to ask for their timeline and whether they've applied for funding to help complete it.
What should I do if I find lead in my water?
Contact your water utility right away to report the result. Ask about their lead reduction steps and whether you qualify for help replacing your service line. Consider using a filter certified for lead (NSF/ANSI Standard 53) as a temporary measure while you explore options.