Lead Service Line Inventory: Charleston Water System
Charleston Water System serves about 327,400 people in South Carolina. If you're concerned about lead in your home's water pipes, this page explains what the utility has reported about lead service lines—pipes that may carry lead from the water main to your house.
What we know about Charleston's lead service lines
Charleston Water System has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines in its service area. As of now, no data is publicly available about how many lead service lines exist in the system, how many have been replaced, or what replacement plans are underway.
This doesn't mean there are no lead service lines—it means the utility is still in the process of locating and documenting them. Federal law (the Lead and Copper Rule) requires water systems to identify and eventually replace all lead service lines, but utilities are at different stages of this work.
Why this matters
Lead service lines are a direct pathway for lead to enter your drinking water, especially in older homes built before the 1980s. Even small amounts of lead exposure can affect children's health. If you live in an older neighborhood in Charleston, the risk is higher.
What you can do right now
Contact Charleston Water System to ask:
- Whether your address has a lead service line
- If they have a replacement program or timeline
- Whether you're eligible for financial assistance
You can also have your water tested for lead. A simple test costs $15–$25 and takes a few days. Many labs in South Carolina can run it for you.
Use a filter in the meantime. If you're concerned about lead, a certified NSF 53 water filter on your kitchen tap can reduce it while you wait for line replacement. Boiling water does not remove lead.
If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your pediatrician or doctor about testing recommendations.
Next steps for residents
- Call or email Charleston Water System to ask about lead service lines at your address (contact info in your utility bill or online at their website).
- Request your service line material history — many utilities can check records even if the full inventory isn't done.
- Have your water tested if the system confirms or suspects a lead line, or if your home was built before 1980.
- Ask about replacement programs — some utilities offer cost-sharing or free replacement for low-income households.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Charleston Water System have lead service lines?
Charleston Water System has not yet published a complete inventory of lead service lines. To find out if your home has one, contact the utility directly with your address. Homes built before 1980 in older neighborhoods are at higher risk.
Is the water safe to drink?
Charleston Water System treats water to reduce corrosion and lead leaching. However, if you have a lead service line, some lead can still enter your water. A home water test is the most reliable way to know your water's lead level.
Can I get my lead service line replaced?
Yes — federal law requires utilities to replace lead service lines over time. Contact Charleston Water System to ask about their replacement program, timeline, and whether you qualify for cost assistance.
What's the difference between a lead service line and a galvanized line?
A lead service line is made of lead and is the highest risk. Galvanized lines are steel coated with zinc and are safer, but older galvanized pipes can corrode and release small amounts of lead if the water is not properly treated.