Lead Service Lines in GSW&SA, South Carolina
What you need to know
GSW&SA serves approximately 252,840 people in South Carolina. Like all US water utilities, it is required by federal law to identify and publicly report the number of lead service lines (LSLs) in its system—the pipes that connect your home to the water main.
Current status: GSW&SA has not yet publicly released a complete lead service line inventory. This means we don't yet know how many lead pipes may be in the system serving your area.
Why lead service lines matter
Lead service lines can leach lead into drinking water, especially in homes with acidic water or when water sits unused in pipes for several hours. Even small amounts of lead exposure can affect children's development. If you're concerned about lead in your water, the best step is to contact your water utility directly and ask about the age and material of the service line at your address.
What should happen next
Federal law requires all water systems to:
- Complete a full inventory of lead and galvanized service lines
- Share results publicly
- Develop a replacement plan if lead pipes are found
GSW&SA is required to follow these rules. You have a right to know what's in your water system.
Next steps for residents
- Contact GSW&SA directly to ask about your home's service line material. Request the age and type of pipe serving your property.
- Get your water tested if you're concerned. Call your utility or a certified lab to arrange lead testing (it's usually inexpensive).
- Ask about the utility's lead inventory status. Request a timeline for when the full public inventory will be released.
- Report problems to DHEC (South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control) if you believe your utility is not meeting federal lead reporting requirements.
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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?
Call GSW&SA and give them your address. They can tell you the material and age of the pipe serving your home. You can also hire a plumber to inspect it, or request a water test to check for lead.
Is lead service line water safe to drink?
Lead can leach into water from lead pipes, but proper water treatment and corrosion control reduce this risk. The safest approach is to know your pipe material, test your water if concerned, and use a certified filter if needed.
What if I think my child has been exposed to lead in water?
Contact your pediatrician or the CDC for health guidance. For water safety questions, contact GSW&SA or your state health department.
When will GSW&SA release its full lead service line inventory?
Contact the utility directly to ask about their inventory timeline. Federal law requires all systems to complete and share this information, so you can ask when they plan to release it.