Lead Service Line Inventory for City of Houston UD 5 - Kingwood
About this water system
City of Houston UD 5 - Kingwood serves approximately 80,073 people in Texas. The system draws from groundwater sources.
Lead service line inventory status
This water system has not yet completed a lead service line inventory. As of now, there is no publicly available count of how many lead, galvanized, or non-lead service lines exist in this system.
Why this matters
A service line is the pipe that connects your home to the public water main under the street. If it's made of lead, water sitting in that pipe overnight or during the day can pick up lead. Even "low levels" of lead can affect children's development. The first step toward addressing the problem is knowing how many lead lines exist in your area.
Federal law requires all water systems to complete an inventory of their lead and galvanized service lines by October 2024 (with some extensions possible). Your utility should be working on this now, even if the results aren't public yet.
What you can do
Contact your water utility directly to ask:
- Has your service line inventory been completed?
- When will results be made public?
- What's in your specific service line (lead, galvanized steel, copper, PVC, or other)?
The utility may be able to tell you what material serves your address, or they may send someone to inspect it.
Reducing lead exposure while you wait
If you don't know your service line material:
- Flush the line: Run cold water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking or cooking (longer if water hasn't been used for 6+ hours).
- Use cold water: Hot water leaches lead faster than cold.
- Consider a pitcher filter or faucet filter certified for lead reduction (look for NSF/ANSI Standard 53).
- Test your water if you're concerned. Some utilities offer free testing; others charge a small fee.
If you have young children or are pregnant, contact your pediatrician or the CDC for guidance on lead exposure.
Next steps for residents
- Contact City of Houston UD 5 - Kingwood water customer service and ask the status of their lead service line inventory.
- Request information about your specific service line material.
- Flush your line before drinking or cooking if you suspect your service line might be lead.
- Consider testing your tap water if you have specific health concerns.
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 water line is lead?
Contact your water utility with your address—they may be able to tell you what material serves your home. Alternatively, a plumber can inspect it. If it's lead-colored, soft metal that a magnet doesn't stick to, it's likely lead.
Is it safe to drink tap water if I have a lead service line?
It depends on how long water sits in the line and your water's chemistry. Flushing the line before use and using a certified lead filter can reduce risk. For health concerns, especially with young children, talk to your pediatrician.
When will Houston UD 5 - Kingwood complete their lead inventory?
Federal law requires completion by October 2024, though extensions are possible. Contact the utility directly for their specific timeline and when results will be public.
What's the difference between a lead service line and galvanized?
Lead lines are soft, corrodible, and a direct source of lead. Galvanized steel has a zinc coating and can also leach metals, though usually less problematic than lead. Both may warrant replacement over time.