HIXSON UTILITY DISTRICT Lead Service Line Inventory
What you need to know
Hixson Utility District serves roughly 68,306 people in Tennessee. The district draws water from groundwater sources.
The key issue: We don't have current public information about how many lead service lines (the pipes that connect the water main to individual homes) are in this system, or what condition they're in. This isn't unusual—many smaller utilities across the country are still in the early stages of mapping their underground pipes.
Why this matters
A lead service line is one of the most direct routes for lead to enter your drinking water. If your home was built before the 1980s, there's a higher chance your connection uses lead or galvanized steel (which can corrode and leach lead over time). Even newer homes can have lead solder or brass fittings.
The EPA requires all water systems to maintain an inventory of service lines and share it with the public. Hixson Utility District hasn't yet published that data on LeadPipeCheck—which may mean the inventory is still being compiled, or hasn't been submitted for public access.
What you can do right now
Contact the utility directly. Ask:
- Whether your specific address is on a lead service line
- If they have an inventory timeline
- What water quality testing they've done
- Whether they offer free testing kits
Get your water tested. Even without knowing your line material, you can order a lead test kit. If lead is detected, a licensed plumber can help determine the source and options (which may include line replacement, flushing protocols, or point-of-use filters).
Check for visible signs. Lead pipes are dull gray and soft enough that a key scratch will leave a shiny mark. Galvanized pipes look silver-gray and slightly corroded. If you can see the connection where the line enters your home (often in the basement or crawl space), you might identify it yourself.
Next steps for residents
- Call Hixson Utility District and ask for your home's service line material and the status of their inventory
- Order a free or low-cost lead test kit through your local health department or online
- If lead is detected, consult your pediatrician (for children) or doctor; the CDC website has guidance on reducing exposure
- Keep an eye out for updates to this page as the utility publishes more information
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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
Is the water in Hixson safe to drink?
Hixson Utility District must meet EPA safety standards for treated water. However, lead can enter your home through old pipes *after* treatment. The only way to know if your specific water contains lead is to test it. Contact the utility or your health department for a free or low-cost test kit.
How do I know if I have a lead service line?
Call Hixson Utility District and ask directly. If they have an inventory, they can tell you. You can also look where the water line enters your home—lead pipes are dull gray and soft (a key will mark them), while galvanized pipes are silver-gray. A licensed plumber can also inspect for you.
What should I do if my water tests positive for lead?
Flush your tap for 30 seconds before using water for drinking or cooking. For children under 6 or pregnant women, contact your pediatrician or doctor immediately. The EPA and CDC websites have detailed guidance on reducing exposure while you plan longer-term fixes like line replacement.
Can Hixson Utility District replace my lead service line?
That depends on the utility's replacement program and your property. Some utilities offer cost-sharing or grants. Contact the district directly to ask about their replacement timeline, funding, and whether they cover the private side of the line (from the meter to your home).