HARRIS COUNTY FWSD 51 Lead Service Line Inventory
What You Need to Know
HARRIS COUNTY FWSD 51 serves 19,671 people in Texas. Like all US water systems, it is required by federal law to maintain an inventory of lead service lines—the pipes that connect the water main to individual homes.
Current status: This utility has not yet completed its lead service line inventory. No data on lead pipes is publicly available yet.
What Does This Mean for Your Home?
A lead service line is a potential source of lead in drinking water, but it's not a guarantee of contamination. Lead only leaches into water under certain conditions, and many homes with lead lines have safe water when properly treated.
If you live in this service area, you don't know yet whether your home has a lead service line. The utility is working on the inventory that will answer this question.
Federal Requirements
The EPA requires all water systems to:
- Identify which homes have lead service lines
- Share that information with residents
- Develop a plan to replace lead lines over time
HARRIS COUNTY FWSD 51 is in the process of meeting these requirements. Federal funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is available to help utilities pay for replacements.
What You Can Do Right Now
Even without knowing your service line material, you can take steps to reduce lead exposure:
- Run your tap water. Let cold water run for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking or cooking, especially if the water hasn't been used for several hours.
- Use cold water for drinking and cooking. Hot water dissolves lead faster than cold water.
- Have your water tested. Contact your utility to ask about free or low-cost testing.
- Check your pipes. If you can see the pipe where it enters your home, look for a soft, dull gray metal—that's lead.
Next Steps for Residents
- Contact the utility directly at HARRIS COUNTY FWSD 51 and ask when the lead service line inventory will be complete and how to find out if your address is included.
- Request a water test through your utility or a certified lab to check for lead in your tap water.
- Check the CDC website for health guidance, especially if you have young children or are pregnant.
- Document your service line material if you can identify it yourself, and keep records of any testing you do.
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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
Does my water have lead in it?
You won't know without testing your tap water. Even homes with lead service lines may have safe water if the system treats it properly. Contact your utility to ask about free testing or have your water tested by a certified lab.
How long will it take for the utility to finish the inventory?
That depends on the utility's resources and schedule. Contact HARRIS COUNTY FWSD 51 directly and ask for a timeline and whether they have funding to complete the work.
Can I replace my lead service line myself?
The part of the line on your property may be your responsibility, but the part under the street usually belongs to the utility. Contact your water system first—they may have a replacement program or grant to help cover costs.
Is boiling water safe if there's lead in it?
Boiling does not remove lead from water. Use cold tap water and let it run before drinking, or use a certified filter designed to remove lead.