Lead Service Lines in CUNNINGHAM UTILITY DISTRICT
CUNNINGHAM UTILITY DISTRICT serves about 16,068 people in Tennessee. Like many water systems across the US, it may have lead service lines—the pipes that connect homes to the public water main. This page explains what we know about lead pipes in your area and what you can do about it.
What is a lead service line?
A lead service line is a pipe made partly or entirely of lead that carries drinking water from the public water main into your home. Lead can leach into water, especially in homes with older plumbing or when water sits in pipes for hours. Lead exposure is a real health concern, particularly for young children and pregnant people.
What we know about your water system
CUNNINGHAM UTILITY DISTRICT has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines in its service area. This means the utility is still in the process of identifying which homes have lead pipes. The utility draws its water from surface sources (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Without a finished inventory, we don't have specific numbers to share about how many lead service lines exist in your area. This doesn't mean there are no lead pipes—it means the work to find them is still underway.
How to find out about your home
Contact CUNNINGHAM UTILITY DISTRICT directly to ask:
- Does your home have a lead service line?
- What is the status of their lead inventory project?
- Are there any water quality testing programs you can join?
The utility can often provide this information or tell you how to find out.
Protecting your water now
While waiting for inventory results:
- Let water run for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking or cooking, especially after the water has been off for hours.
- Use cold water for drinking and cooking (hot water pulls lead from pipes faster).
- Consider a pitcher filter or point-of-use filter certified for lead removal (look for NSF/ANSI Standard 53 certification).
If you're concerned about lead exposure or have young children in your home, talk to your pediatrician or contact your local health department.
Next steps for residents
- Contact CUNNINGHAM UTILITY DISTRICT to ask about lead service lines at your address
- Request information on their lead inventory timeline and any testing programs
- Use cold water for drinking and cooking in the meantime
- If you rent, ask your landlord or property manager about the service line material
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 with your address. They have records of what material your service line is made from. You can also hire a plumber to inspect it, or ask your utility if they offer free or low-cost testing.
Is lead in drinking water dangerous?
Yes, lead in water is a serious health risk, especially for children under 6 and pregnant people. Even low levels can affect brain development. Talk to your pediatrician if you're worried, or visit the CDC website for more information.
What should I do right now if I think I have a lead service line?
Run cold water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking it, use cold water for cooking, and consider a filter certified to remove lead (look for NSF 53). Contact your utility to confirm your service line material and ask about replacement programs.
Does the government help pay to replace lead service lines?
Yes. The EPA's Lead and Copper Rule requires utilities to replace lead service lines over time, and federal funding (including from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) helps pay for replacements. Ask your utility about programs you may qualify for.