BCWSA EAST COOPER Lead Service Line Inventory
About this water system
BCWSA EAST COOPER serves approximately 12,933 people in South Carolina. The utility draws its water from surface sources.
Lead service line inventory status
As of now, BCWSA EAST COOPER has not completed a public lead service line (LSL) inventory—meaning the utility has not yet published a count or map showing which homes may have lead pipes connecting them to the water main.
Federal law requires all water systems to identify and inventory lead service lines. The deadline for most systems was October 2024, though some received extensions. If your utility hasn't published an inventory yet, contact them directly to ask about their progress and timeline.
What you should know
Lead service lines are a real concern. Water traveling through lead pipes—especially in older homes—can pick up lead, which is a neurotoxin. Even small amounts matter, especially for children under 6 and pregnant people.
You don't need to wait for the inventory to act. If your home was built before the 1980s, it's more likely to have a lead service line. You can:
- Get your water tested (the utility may offer free or discounted tests)
- Ask your utility directly whether your property has a lead service line
- Request documentation from when your home was built or connected
Replacement is the only permanent solution. Filters can reduce lead temporarily, but replacing the lead service line (usually from the water main to your home's foundation) eliminates the problem. Some utilities offer rebates or cost-sharing programs; ask yours.
Next steps for residents
- Contact BCWSA EAST COOPER directly and ask: "Do you have a lead service line inventory? When will it be published?" Get their phone number online.
- Request a free water test from your utility to know if lead is present in your home right now.
- If your home is old, ask your utility whether your service line is documented as lead.
- Check the CDC website for guidance on reducing lead exposure while you investigate.
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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?
Lead pipes are gray, soft, and can be scratched with a coin—they look different from copper (reddish) or galvanized steel (silver). Inspect the pipe where it enters your home. You can also contact your water utility and ask them directly; many systems keep records of pipe materials.
Is the water safe to drink if I have a lead service line?
It depends. Lead only gets into your water if it leaches from the pipe, which happens when water sits in the pipe or the water is corrosive. A water test is the only way to know for sure. Call your utility to request a free or low-cost test.
How much does it cost to replace a lead service line?
Replacement typically costs $3,000–$25,000, depending on your property. Many water systems now offer rebates, grants, or low-interest loans. Ask BCWSA EAST COOPER about programs available to you.
Will a water filter remove lead?
Some filters reduce lead, but replacement is the permanent solution. Filters require frequent cartridge changes and don't remove lead from all points in your home. Talk to your utility about both short-term and long-term options.