Lead Service Lines in Marion, South Carolina
About This Water System
GSW&SA-Marion City of serves about 9,100 people in Marion, South Carolina. Like many older water systems across the US, Marion may have lead service lines—the pipes that connect the public water main to individual homes.
Lead service lines are a known source of lead in drinking water. When water sits in these pipes overnight or for several hours, lead can leach into it. The EPA estimates that about 9 million lead service lines exist nationwide, though the true number may be higher.
What We Know About Marion's Lead Service Lines
Marion has not yet completed an inventory of its lead service lines. This means the water utility has not publicly reported how many lead, galvanized, or non-lead pipes serve the system.
Why this matters: Without a completed inventory, Marion residents and the utility itself lack a clear picture of where lead service lines exist and who may be at risk. The Safe Drinking Water Act now requires all US water systems to complete lead service line inventories by October 2024.
What You Can Do Now
Contact Marion's water utility directly to ask:
- Has the lead service line inventory been completed?
- If so, when will results be made public?
- Does my property have a lead service line? (Some utilities can tell you based on the street or neighborhood.)
- What water testing or treatment options are available to me?
Test your water if you're concerned. A simple water test costs $15–30 and can tell you if lead is present in your home's water. Contact Marion's water utility or your county health department for testing resources.
Reduce exposure while waiting for more information:
- Run cold water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking or cooking if water has sat in pipes overnight.
- Use cold water for cooking and drinking; hot water leaches lead faster.
- Consider a pitcher filter or faucet filter certified to remove lead (look for NSF/ANSI 53 certification).
If you have children under 6 or a pregnant household member, the CDC recommends discussing water testing and lead exposure prevention with your pediatrician or doctor.
Next Steps for Residents
- Contact GSW&SA-Marion City of to ask about inventory status and your address's service line material.
- Have your water tested for lead if you're concerned.
- Use water-running and filter strategies to minimize lead exposure now.
- Check back on this page periodically for updates as the inventory is completed and made public.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Marion have lead in the water?
Marion's water utility has not yet completed a public lead service line inventory, so it's unknown how many homes have lead pipes. Testing your home's water is the most direct way to know if lead is present at your tap.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Contact GSW&SA-Marion City of directly with your address; they may be able to tell you based on your street or neighborhood. You can also have a plumber inspect the pipe where it enters your home.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Marion?
Marion's water system treats water to meet EPA standards, but lead service lines in older homes can introduce lead at the tap. Running water before use and using a certified filter can reduce exposure while you determine if you have lead pipes.
Can Marion replace my lead service line for free?
As of now, Marion has not announced a lead service line replacement program. Contact the utility to ask about any programs or financial assistance that may become available.