CLEVELAND UTILITIES Lead Service Line Inventory
What You Need to Know
CLEVELAND UTILITIES serves about 95,087 people in Tennessee. Like all US water systems, the utility is required to maintain an inventory of lead service lines—the pipes that connect homes to the public water main—and share that information with customers.
Current inventory status: CLEVELAND UTILITIES has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines in its system. This does not mean your home is safe or unsafe; it means the utility is still in the process of identifying which pipes are made of lead.
Why This Matters
Lead service lines can release lead into drinking water, especially in homes with older pipes and acidic water. Lead exposure has no safe level, particularly for children under 6 and pregnant people. Even low levels can affect development and learning. If you have young children or are pregnant, this is worth taking seriously.
What the Utility Is Doing
CLEVELAND UTILITIES is working to complete its inventory under the Safe Drinking Water Act. This is a multi-year effort for most utilities. Once the inventory is finished, the utility will be required to:
- Share results with affected customers
- Develop a plan to replace lead service lines
- Report progress to state and federal regulators
Until that happens, you won't know your service line material from the utility's records—but there are other ways to find out.
How to Find Out About Your Home
Contact CLEVELAND UTILITIES directly. Ask them:
- "Do I have a lead service line?"
- "What year was my home built?"
- "What do you know about the pipes serving my address?"
The utility may have partial records, historical maps, or construction permits that can help even if the full inventory isn't complete.
You can also hire a plumber to inspect your own pipes or get your water tested. A water test (often $20–$50) shows whether lead is actually present in your drinking water, regardless of pipe material.
Next Steps for Residents
- Contact CLEVELAND UTILITIES and ask about your service line. Include your address.
- Get your water tested if you're concerned. Contact your local health department for lab recommendations, or check the EPA's water testing guide.
- Use a pitcher or faucet filter certified for lead removal (look for NSF certification) as a temporary precaution while you gather information.
- If you have young children or are pregnant, consult your pediatrician or OB-GYN about lead exposure risks and testing.
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?
Contact CLEVELAND UTILITIES with your address and ask directly. They may have records even if their full inventory isn't complete. You can also hire a plumber to inspect the pipes at your home, or look at older property records and construction permits.
Should I be worried about lead in my water?
Lead in drinking water is a real health concern, especially for children under 6 and pregnant people. The best way to know if lead is actually in your water is to get it tested. Start by contacting your water utility and your local health department.
Can I remove lead from my tap water?
Yes. Pitcher filters and faucet-mounted filters certified for lead removal (look for NSF certification) work and are affordable. You can also use bottled water for drinking and cooking while you investigate your service line.
Is CLEVELAND UTILITIES replacing lead service lines?
The utility is still building its inventory, so a replacement plan has not yet been announced. Once the inventory is complete, the utility will be required to develop and publish a plan. Contact them directly to ask about timelines.