EAST MONTANA WATER SYSTEM Lead Service Line Inventory
East Montana Water System serves about 11,480 people in Texas. Like all US water systems, it is required by federal law to create and maintain an inventory of lead service lines—the pipes that carry water from the main line to individual homes.
What we know about this water system
East Montana Water System draws its water from surface sources (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs). The utility has not yet submitted a completed lead service line inventory to regulators, or that data is not yet publicly available. This means we don't currently have a count of how many lead, galvanized, or non-lead service lines are in the system.
This is not unusual. Many utilities across the country are still in the early stages of inventorying their service lines, and the deadline for completion is 2024–2027 depending on system size.
What you can do now
Contact your utility directly. East Montana Water System can tell you whether your home has a lead service line. Call their office or visit their website to ask:
- Do I have a lead service line?
- When will the full inventory be available?
- What is the system doing to test water quality?
Get your water tested. Even if you don't know your line material, a simple water test can tell you if lead is present at your tap. Test kits are inexpensive (under $20) and available at hardware stores or online. If results show elevated lead, run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking.
Know the signs. Lead service lines are most commonly found in homes built before 1986. If your home is older or you're in an older neighborhood, there's a higher chance your line contains lead.
Next steps for residents
- Contact East Montana Water System and ask about your service line and the status of their inventory.
- Request a free or low-cost water test from your utility or a certified lab.
- If you have young children, discuss any water quality concerns with your pediatrician.
- Check back on LeadPipeLookup as utilities update their inventories—we'll reflect new data when it becomes available.
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 my house has a lead service line?
Contact your water utility and ask directly—they have records of service line materials. You can also look at your water meter or the pipe entering your home; lead pipes are soft, dark gray, and can be scratched with a penny. If unsure, a water test is the most reliable way to check for lead at your tap.
Is water from a lead service line safe to drink?
It depends on your water's chemistry and how long it sits in the pipes. Some water corrodes lead pipes more than others. The only way to know is to test your water. Running cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking can reduce lead.
What should I do if my water tests positive for lead?
Use bottled water for drinking and cooking until you can address the problem. Contact your utility—they may offer free flushing advice or replacement programs. For health concerns, call your doctor or the CDC's National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-5323.
When will my water system replace lead service lines?
Utilities have until 2024–2027 to create their replacement plans, depending on their size. Contact East Montana Water System to ask about their timeline and whether any replacement programs are available to residents.