H.B.& T.S. UTILITY DISTRICT Lead Service Line Inventory

H.B.& T.S. Utility District serves approximately 40,094 people in Tennessee. The district draws water from surface sources and is required by federal law to maintain an inventory of lead service lines—the pipes that may carry water from the main water line under the street into your home.

What we know about lead pipes in this system

As of now, H.B.& T.S. Utility District has not yet completed or publicly reported a lead service line inventory. This doesn't mean there are no lead pipes—it means the inventory work is still underway or the results haven't been made available yet.

Federal rules require all water systems to identify and track lead service lines by 2024 (with some extensions possible). Your utility may still be conducting the survey of its pipes, reviewing historical records, or preparing the data for public release.

Why this matters

Lead service lines are one of the most common sources of lead in drinking water. Water sitting in these old pipes—especially overnight or if the water is corrosive—can pick up lead particles. Even small amounts of lead exposure can affect children's development.

However, a lead service line does not automatically mean your water is unsafe. Many factors affect whether lead actually leaches into your water, including the water's chemistry and how long it sits in the pipes.

What you can do now

Even without a complete inventory, there are practical steps to reduce your risk:

• Test your water. Contact your utility to ask about free or low-cost lead testing. A simple test tells you if lead is actually present in your tap water.
• Flush before drinking. In the morning or after the water has sat for hours, run the cold water for 30 seconds to a minute before using it for drinking or cooking.
• Use cold water only. Hot water leaches more lead than cold. If you need hot water, heat it on the stove after it comes from the tap.
• Contact your utility directly. Ask about their timeline for completing the lead service line inventory and whether they have records indicating whether your property has a lead line.

Next steps for residents

• Reach out to H.B.& T.S. Utility District to request a water quality test and ask about your property's service line material.
• Visit the EPA's page on lead in drinking water for more guidance.
• If you have young children or pregnant household members, consult your pediatrician or doctor about lead exposure risks.
• Check back on this page—it will update once the utility publishes its inventory.

```json [ { "q": "Does my water have lead in it right now?", "a": "We don't know yet without testing your specific tap water. Having a lead service line does not automatically mean lead is in your water—it depends on water chemistry, pipe age, and other factors. Contact H.B.& T.S. Utility District to request a free lead test." }, { "q": "How do I know if my home has a lead service line?", "a": "Call your water utility and ask. They may have historical records, or they may be conducting surveys now. You can also ask a plumber to inspect where your service line enters your home, though this may cost money." }, { "q": "Is it safe to drink water from a lead pipe?", "a": "It depends on your specific water and pipe. Lead does not always leach out. A water test is the only way to know. In the meantime, flush your pipes before drinking and use cold water only for drinking and cooking." }, { "q": "What should I do if my child has been drinking water from a lead line?", "a": "Contact your pediatrician. They can discuss testing options and answer questions specific to your child's age