Lead Service Line Inventory: FIRST U.D. OF KNOX COUNTY
FIRST U.D. OF KNOX COUNTY serves about 115,500 people in Tennessee with surface water. Like many water systems across the US, it may have lead service lines—the pipes that connect the main water line under the street to homes and buildings.
What is a lead service line?
A lead service line is the pipe that carries water from the public main into your home. If your house was built before the 1980s, there's a real chance your service line contains lead, especially in older neighborhoods. Lead can leach into drinking water, particularly if the water is corrosive or your pipes are old.
What we know about FIRST U.D. OF KNOX COUNTY's inventory
This water system has not yet completed a public lead service line inventory—or the data is not yet available in this directory. An inventory is a documented count of how many lead, galvanized, and unknown service lines are in the system. The EPA requires all water systems to complete this work by October 2024 (with possible extensions).
This does not mean your water system is unsafe. It means the inventory process is still underway or results haven't been published yet.
How to find out about your own service line
Your service line status may differ from your neighbor's, even on the same street. The best way to learn about yours:
1. Contact FIRST U.D. OF KNOX COUNTY directly. Ask if they have records of your property's service line material. Have your address and account number ready. 2. Request a water quality test. Many systems offer free or low-cost lead testing kits. Call the utility and ask. 3. Look for visible clues. If you can see the pipe where it enters your home, lead is soft and gray; copper is reddish; plastic is white or gray PVC.
If testing shows lead in your water or you suspect a lead service line, the CDC recommends using a point-of-use filter certified for lead removal (look for NSF/ANSI 53 certification) until the line can be replaced.
Next steps for residents
- Contact FIRST U.D. OF KNOX COUNTY to ask about your service line and request testing if available.
- If you have young children or are pregnant, consider having your water tested—the CDC has guidance on lead and health.
- Look into whether your state or utility offers funding for lead service line replacement.
- Keep the utility's phone number handy for follow-up questions.
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 I have a lead service line?
Contact your water utility with your address and account number—they may have records. You can also hire a plumber to inspect the pipe where it enters your home, or request a free water quality test from your utility to check for lead.
Is lead in water dangerous?
Yes, lead can harm health, especially for young children and pregnant people. Visit the CDC website or talk to your pediatrician for guidance on testing and protection. A certified filter (NSF/ANSI 53) can reduce lead in tap water.
What should I do if my water tests positive for lead?
Use bottled water for drinking and cooking until the service line is replaced. Consider a certified lead-removal filter as a temporary measure. Contact your utility and a licensed plumber to plan replacement—some systems offer financial assistance.
When will FIRST U.D. OF KNOX COUNTY finish its lead service line inventory?
Contact the utility directly for an update on their inventory timeline. The EPA required all systems to complete inventories by October 2024, though some extensions have been granted.