Lead Service Lines in METRO WATER SERVICES
METRO WATER SERVICES serves approximately 778,153 people in Tennessee. Like all US water utilities, the company is required by federal law to identify and track lead service lines—the pipes that connect homes to the water main.
What we know about lead service lines here
METRO WATER SERVICES has not yet made a detailed lead service line inventory publicly available. This means we don't have confirmed counts of how many lead, galvanized, or non-lead pipes serve this system. The utility is still in the process of gathering and organizing this information.
This is common. Many large systems across the country are still conducting the surveys and record reviews needed to build complete inventories.
Why this matters
Lead service lines can leach lead into drinking water, especially in homes with corrosive water or when pipes are disturbed. Even low levels of lead exposure can affect children's development and learning. Identifying which homes have lead pipes is the first step toward replacing them.
What METRO WATER SERVICES should do next
Federal rules require utilities to:
- Complete a full inventory of lead service lines by October 2024
- Develop a plan to replace all lead lines within 10 years
- Notify customers whose homes have known or suspected lead pipes
- Provide information on reducing exposure in the meantime
Next steps for residents
- Contact METRO WATER SERVICES directly to ask whether your address has a lead service line. Provide your service address; they may have records even if the public inventory isn't finalized yet.
- Request a free water test from the utility, or buy a certified lead test kit (about $25–$50) if you're concerned.
- If your home was built before 1986, lead pipes are more likely. Ask your utility about replacement assistance programs or low-interest loans.
- Check the CDC website for guidance on reducing lead exposure while you investigate.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does METRO WATER SERVICES have lead in the water?
METRO WATER SERVICES has not yet released a complete public inventory of lead service lines. The utility is required to finish this inventory by October 2024. Having lead pipes doesn't automatically mean your water contains lead—it depends on your home's specific pipes and water chemistry.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Call METRO WATER SERVICES and ask about your specific address. They may have records of your pipe material. You can also look at your water meter pit or the pipe entering your home—lead is soft, gray, and leaves a mark if you scrape it gently with a coin.
Is the water safe to drink right now?
METRO WATER SERVICES tests drinking water regularly for lead and other contaminants. If lead were found at unsafe levels, the utility would notify customers. If you're still concerned, you can request a free test from the utility or buy a certified test kit.
What happens if I have a lead pipe?
The utility should notify you if they confirm a lead service line at your address. Most systems now offer assistance programs or financing to help homeowners replace lead lines. Replacement is the permanent solution.