Lead Service Lines at JOINT MUNICIPAL WSC
JOINT MUNICIPAL WSC serves approximately 47,838 people in South Carolina. Like all US water utilities, this system is required to maintain an inventory of lead service lines—the pipes that connect the water main under the street to homes.
What we know about this system's lead pipes
This utility has not yet reported a completed lead service line inventory to the state. That means the system is still in the process of identifying which homes may have lead service lines, or the data has not been made publicly available yet.
This is not unusual. Many water systems across the country are still working through inventory requirements. The federal government set a deadline of October 2024 for utilities to complete these inventories, but some systems are still catching up.
What you should do now
If you live in JOINT MUNICIPAL WSC's service area:
1. Contact your water utility directly. Call or email to ask about lead service line status at your specific address. You can find contact information by searching "[your city] water department" or visiting your city's website.
2. Don't assume your pipes are safe. Homes built before 1986 are at higher risk of having lead service lines, but older doesn't guarantee it—and newer homes occasionally have them too.
3. Get your water tested if you're concerned. A basic lead test costs $10–30 and takes a few days. Many health departments offer testing or can refer you to a certified lab.
4. Learn about flushing and filters. Even with a lead service line, you can reduce lead in drinking water by flushing the tap and using a certified filter. The EPA's guidance on this is solid and free.
Next steps for residents
- Contact JOINT MUNICIPAL WSC (SC3220003) and ask about lead service lines at your address
- Request a free or low-cost water test through your local health department
- Visit the EPA's lead in drinking water page for science-backed steps you can take right now
- If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your pediatrician or OB-GYN about lead exposure risks in your area
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?
The most reliable way is to contact your water utility and ask them to check your address in their inventory. You can also look at your water meter pit (usually in your front yard) or call a plumber to inspect the pipe entering your home—lead pipes are dull gray and soft enough to scratch with a coin. However, only your utility's records are definitive.
Is lead in water dangerous?
Lead can harm brain development in children and cause other health problems with long-term exposure. For specific health concerns—especially if you have young kids—contact your pediatrician or the CDC hotline. Even if your water has lead, there are proven ways to reduce your exposure.
What should I do if my water utility hasn't finished their inventory?
Call them and ask for your home's status. If they can't tell you yet, ask when the inventory will be complete and whether your street has been surveyed. In the meantime, you can test your water or use a filter certified to reduce lead.
Can I get my lead service line replaced?
Yes, but it's usually expensive (often $2,000–$10,000). Some utilities and state programs offer partial funding. Ask your water system about lead line replacement programs or rebates in your area, and check whether you qualify for federal Infrastructure Improvement Act funding.