COLUMBIA POWER AND WATER SYSTEMS Lead Service Line Inventory
About this water system
COLUMBIA POWER AND WATER SYSTEMS serves 84,617 people in Tennessee. The utility draws from surface water sources and is regulated by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.
Lead service line inventory status
As of now, COLUMBIA POWER AND WATER SYSTEMS has not completed a public lead service line (LSL) inventory. This means the utility has not yet published a count of how many lead pipes connect homes to the water main in its service area.
Why this matters: Lead service lines are one of the main pathways for lead to enter tap water. Federal law (the Lead and Copper Rule) requires all water systems to identify and inventory these pipes and develop a plan to replace them. Without a published inventory, residents cannot easily see whether their street or neighborhood has known lead pipes.
What you should do
The lack of a public inventory does not mean there are no lead service lines in your area—it means they haven't been cataloged and shared yet. Many older communities, especially those built before 1980, are statistically more likely to have them.
Next steps for residents
- Contact COLUMBIA POWER AND WATER SYSTEMS directly and ask:
- Does my home have a lead service line? - When will the LSL inventory be available to the public? - What is the timeline for replacing lead pipes?
- Get your water tested if you're concerned about lead. A certified lab can test a sample from your tap; your utility can provide a list of approved labs.
- Visit the EPA's Lead in Drinking Water page for homeowner guidance on water testing, flushing, and filters (if needed while waiting for pipe replacement).
- Check whether your utility received federal funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. If so, ask how those dollars will fund lead pipe replacement.
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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?
Contact your water utility and ask directly. You can also have a plumber inspect the pipe that enters your home—lead is soft, gray, and dents easily when scratched. Some utilities offer free inspections or provide records by address.
Is lead in tap water dangerous?
Lead exposure, especially for children under 6, can harm brain development and learning. There is no safe level of lead in drinking water. For health concerns, contact your pediatrician or the CDC.
What can I do right now to reduce lead exposure?
Run water from your cold tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking or cooking (especially in the morning or after hours away). Use cold water for cooking and drinking. Have your water tested by a certified lab.
When will lead pipes be replaced?
That depends on your utility's replacement plan and funding. Contact COLUMBIA POWER AND WATER SYSTEMS to ask about their timeline. Many utilities are now replacing pipes using federal infrastructure grants.