Lead Service Lines in BJW&SA
BJW&SA serves approximately 145,634 people in South Carolina. Like all US water systems, it is required by federal law to maintain an inventory of lead service lines—the pipes that connect homes to the water main.
What we know about BJW&SA's lead service lines
BJW&SA has not yet published a publicly available lead service line inventory. This means the utility has either not completed its inventory, has not made it public, or is still compiling the data required by the EPA's Lead and Copper Rule.
A lead service line inventory should tell you:
- How many lead lines the system has identified
- Which lines are galvanized (potentially containing lead)
- Which lines are confirmed lead-free
- How many remain unknown
Without this information, you cannot determine whether your home is served by a lead line based on the utility's public data alone.
What you can do now
Contact BJW&SA directly to ask about your specific address. The utility can tell you:
- Whether your service line is lead, galvanized, copper, or another material
- When an inventory will be made public (if it hasn't been already)
- What steps they're taking to replace lead lines
You can also request a water test. The CDC recommends testing if you have young children, are pregnant, or are concerned about lead exposure. Testing kits are inexpensive and widely available.
Federal requirements
All community water systems must complete lead service line inventories and make them available to the public by October 2024 (or by the next applicable deadline if an extension was granted). BJW&SA is required to pursue replacement of lead and galvanized lines over time, though timelines vary by system and available funding.
The EPA's Lead and Copper Rule is the main federal standard governing lead in drinking water. Your state health department may have additional rules.
Next steps for residents
- Contact BJW&SA to ask about your service line material and request a copy of their inventory when available
- Request a water test if you have concerns (especially important for homes with young children)
- Ask about replacement programs — many utilities offer partial or full cost coverage for homeowners
- Visit the EPA's Lead and Copper Rule page for more context on federal requirements and your rights
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does BJW&SA have lead in the water?
BJW&SA's lead service line inventory is not yet publicly available, so we cannot say how many lead lines serve this system. Contact the utility directly at your address to learn about your specific service line.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Call BJW&SA and provide your address. They can tell you the material of your service line. Alternatively, you can request a water test from a certified lab, which will show whether lead is present in your home's water.
Is lead in drinking water dangerous?
Yes. Lead can harm the developing brain and nervous system, especially in young children. For health advice, contact your pediatrician or the CDC. Even low levels of exposure can be harmful.
What do I do if my house has a lead service line?
Use a water filter certified for lead removal (NSF Standard 53), run cold water before using it for drinking or cooking, and ask BJW&SA about replacement programs or assistance. Replacement is the only permanent solution.