GALLATIN WATER DEPARTMENT Lead Service Line Inventory

Gallatin Water Department serves approximately 65,964 people in Tennessee. Like all US water systems, it is required by federal law to identify and track lead service lines—the pipes that connect the water main to individual homes.

What is a lead service line?

A lead service line is a pipe made partially or entirely of lead that carries drinking water from the public water main into your home. Lead can leach into water, especially if the water is corrosive or if pipes are old. Lead exposure is a real health concern, particularly for young children and pregnant people.

What do we know about lead service lines in Gallatin?

Gallatin Water Department has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines in its system. This means the utility is still in the process of identifying which properties have lead pipes. The utility draws water from surface sources, which is one factor that affects corrosion and lead risk.

Because inventory work is ongoing, a detailed count of lead, galvanized, or non-lead service lines is not yet available. The utility is required by law to complete this work and make findings public.

How can you find out about your service line?

The most direct step is to contact Gallatin Water Department and ask whether your address has been inventoried and what type of service line serves your home. They may have records from past construction or repair work, or they can schedule a site visit to check.

You can also hire a licensed plumber to inspect the line where it enters your home—a small section of exposed pipe is often visible in the basement, crawl space, or under the foundation. Lead pipes are soft, gray, and can be scratched with a penny to reveal the metal underneath.

What if your service line contains lead?

If you have a lead service line, the primary risk is in your drinking and cooking water. Using a certified lead-removing water filter (NSF/ANSI Standard 53) on your kitchen tap is an interim step. However, the only permanent solution is replacement of the line.

Gallatin Water Department may offer replacement assistance or financing programs—ask when you contact them. In some cases, state or federal funding may help offset costs.

For health concerns related to lead exposure, contact your pediatrician or the CDC's lead information line.

Next steps for residents

• Contact Gallatin Water Department to ask whether your property has been inventoried and what your service line material is.
• Request a physical inspection if records are unavailable—the utility can arrange one, or you can hire a plumber.
• Install a certified lead filter on your kitchen tap as a temporary measure while you explore replacement options.
• Ask about assistance programs that may help pay for lead service line replacement.

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