Lead Service Lines in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
North Myrtle Beach serves approximately 40,625 people. Like many older water systems, the city may have lead service lines—pipes that connect the water main to individual homes. Lead can leach into drinking water, especially in homes with older plumbing.
What we know about North Myrtle Beach's lead pipes
The city has not yet completed a public inventory of lead service lines. This means residents and the water utility don't have a full count of how many lead pipes exist in the distribution system or in individual homes.
Without this data, you won't find a searchable map or list showing whether your address has a lead service line. That's frustrating, but it's a common situation across the country—many utilities are still in the early stages of documenting lead pipes.
What you can do now
Contact the water utility directly. Call or email North Myrtle Beach's water department and ask whether your property's service line is lead, galvanized steel (which can also corrode and release lead), or copper. They may have historical records even if a formal inventory isn't public yet.
Test your water. If you're concerned about lead, a simple water test can tell you whether lead is present in your home. The EPA recommends testing the first-draw water (water that sits overnight in your pipes) and water after the tap runs for 30 seconds. Contact your water utility for a free or low-cost test kit, or use a certified lab.
Check your home's age and plumbing. Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead service lines or lead solder in copper pipes. If your home is older and you don't know your pipe material, this is another good reason to reach out to the utility or a licensed plumber.
If you have young children, talk to your pediatrician about lead testing. The CDC has resources on lead exposure and children's health.
Next steps for residents
- Contact North Myrtle Beach water utility to ask about your service line material
- Request a free water lead test kit from your utility
- If concerned, have your water tested at a certified lab
- Check your home's age and plumbing type; consult a plumber if uncertain
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does North Myrtle Beach have lead pipes?
North Myrtle Beach has not yet published a complete inventory of lead service lines. Contact the city's water utility directly to learn about your specific address.
How do I know if my house has a lead water pipe?
Call North Myrtle Beach water utility and ask about your service line material. Homes built before 1986 are at higher risk. A licensed plumber can also inspect your pipes.
Is the water safe to drink?
The only way to know if lead is in your water is to test it. Contact your water utility for a free or low-cost test kit. Boiling water does not remove lead.
What should I do if my water tests positive for lead?
Use bottled or filtered water for drinking and cooking. Contact your water utility about replacing the service line. The EPA's Lead and Copper Rule requires utilities to help reduce lead exposure.