BLOOMINGDALE UTILITY DISTRICT Lead Service Line Inventory
What is a lead service line?
A lead service line is the pipe that connects your home to the water main under the street. If your home was built before the 1980s, there's a chance your service line contains lead. Water sitting in lead pipes can pick up lead, especially if the water is acidic or low in minerals that would coat the pipe's interior.
What BLOOMINGDALE UTILITY DISTRICT has reported
BLOOMINGDALE UTILITY DISTRICT serves approximately 13,318 people in Tennessee. The utility draws water from a surface water source (lakes, rivers, or reservoirs).
Current inventory status: The utility has not yet completed a full lead service line inventory. This means they either haven't finished testing their system, haven't reported results to the state, or both.
This doesn't mean your water definitely contains lead—it means the utility's records on lead service lines are incomplete. Many water systems across the country are still in the early stages of mapping their lead pipes, partly because it's time-consuming and partly because funding only recently became widely available.
Why this matters
Lead exposure over time can affect health, especially in children and pregnant people. The CDC recommends that anyone concerned about lead in their drinking water take steps to reduce exposure, starting with a simple water test.
Next steps for residents
- Contact your water utility directly. Call BLOOMINGDALE UTILITY DISTRICT and ask whether your specific address has a lead service line. Even if they haven't completed a full inventory, they may have records for your property.
- Get your water tested. A basic lead test at your kitchen tap costs $20–50 and takes about a week to process. Your utility can recommend a certified lab, or search your state health department's website.
- Ask about service line replacement programs. Depending on your state and utility, there may be grants or low-interest loans to help pay for replacing a lead line. Start by asking your utility about any available programs.
- Use interim protections while you wait. Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking. Use only cold water for drinking and cooking (hot water holds more lead). Consider a pitcher or tap filter certified for lead removal (look for NSF 53 certification).
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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?
The most reliable way is to contact your water utility with your address—they often have records even if an inventory isn't complete. You can also ask a plumber to inspect the pipe where it enters your home. Lead is soft and gray, and a magnet won't stick to it.
Is lead service line water safe to drink?
Lead doesn't always leach into water, but it can, and there's no safe level of lead exposure. The only way to know if yours does is to test your water. If you're concerned, use interim steps like flushing the line or using a certified filter while you investigate.
How much does it cost to replace a lead service line?
Replacement typically costs $3,000–15,000 depending on the depth and length of the line and where you live. Some utilities, states, and the federal government now offer grants or rebates. Ask your utility about programs you may qualify for.
Why hasn't my water utility finished their inventory yet?
Inventorying lead service lines is expensive and time-consuming. Federal funding has only recently become widely available. Your utility is likely working on it, but timelines vary by state and local budget.