Lead Service Line Inventory for Muhlenberg Twp Municipal Authority
What you should know about lead service lines in your water system
Muhlenberg Twp Municipal Authority serves approximately 21,000 people in Pennsylvania. The utility draws water from groundwater sources.
Current inventory status: The utility has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines in its system. This means we don't have public data on how many lead service lines exist in this area—but that doesn't mean there are none. Lead service lines were commonly installed across the U.S. before the 1970s, particularly in older neighborhoods.
Why this matters
A lead service line is the pipe that connects your home to the water main under the street. If yours is made of lead, water can pick up lead as it travels through the pipe to your tap. Lead exposure—especially for young children and pregnant people—poses real health risks.
Even if your utility hasn't finished its full inventory yet, you can still take steps to protect your household right now.
How to find out if you have a lead service line
Contact Muhlenberg Twp Municipal Authority directly. Ask them:
- "Is my service line made of lead?"
- "Do you have records showing what material my service line is made from?"
- "When will the full inventory be available?"
You can also have a licensed plumber inspect your service line if the utility can't confirm its material.
What to do if you have a lead service line
If you have lead or suspect you do, the most effective long-term solution is replacement with a lead-free pipe. This is the only way to eliminate the source of lead in your water line.
In the meantime:
- Run cold water before drinking or cooking (flush the line for 30 seconds to several minutes, depending on how long the pipe sits unused)
- Use cold water for cooking and drinking—hot water can leach more lead
- Consider a water filter tested and certified to reduce lead (NSF/ANSI Standard 53)
If you have questions about health effects, contact your doctor or the CDC at 1-800-CDC-INFO.
Next steps for residents
- Call Muhlenberg Twp Municipal Authority to ask about your service line material and the status of their inventory
- Ask your utility about lead service line replacement programs or financial assistance
- Have a licensed plumber inspect if records aren't available
- Use interim measures (flushing, cold water, filters) while awaiting replacement
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 water line is made of lead?
Contact your utility directly—they may have records of your service line material. You can also hire a licensed plumber to inspect it. A magnet won't stick to lead, and lead is typically dull gray, but visual inspection alone isn't reliable.
Is lead in water dangerous?
Yes, especially for young children and pregnant people. Even small amounts of lead exposure can affect brain development and learning. Talk to your doctor or call the CDC at 1-800-CDC-INFO for health questions.
What should I do right now if I think I have a lead service line?
Run cold water before drinking or cooking, use cold water for drinking and cooking, and consider a certified lead-reducing filter (NSF/ANSI 53). The permanent fix is replacement of the line with lead-free pipe.
Will my water utility help pay to replace my lead service line?
Some utilities offer replacement programs or rebates. Contact Muhlenberg Twp Municipal Authority to ask about their specific programs, and check if you qualify for state or federal grant funding.