WEIRTON AREA WATER BOARD Lead Service Line Inventory
About Your Water System
Weirton Area Water Board serves 18,633 people in West Virginia. The utility draws water from surface sources like rivers or lakes, which then goes through treatment before reaching your home.
Lead Service Lines: What We Know
A lead service line is a pipe made partly or entirely of lead that connects the water main in the street to your home. Lead can leach into drinking water, especially in homes with older plumbing.
Current inventory status: Weirton Area Water Board has not yet completed a public inventory of lead service lines in its service area. This does not mean there are no lead pipes—it means the utility is still in the process of identifying which properties have them.
The EPA requires all water systems to locate and inventory lead service lines and publish findings. Many utilities across the country are still working through this process, which involves field inspection, historical records review, and property-by-property assessment. It takes time.
What This Means for Your Home
If your home was built before 1986, there is a higher statistical chance your service line contains lead or lead-containing solder. Homes built after that are less likely to have lead service lines, though it's still possible.
The only way to know for certain is to:
- Contact your water utility and ask if your address has been surveyed yet
- Request a water test if you are concerned
- Have a licensed plumber inspect the visible portion of your service line (usually near the meter or where it enters your home)
Reducing Lead Exposure
While your utility completes its inventory work, you can take steps now:
- Run cold water first. Let tap water run for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking if water has not been used for several hours.
- Use cold water for cooking and drinking. Hot water leaches lead faster.
- Get your water tested. Contact Weirton Area Water Board for information on affordable or free testing.
- Consider a filter. NSF-certified filters can reduce lead in drinking water; check the label to confirm lead removal.
For health concerns—especially if you have young children or are pregnant—contact your doctor or the CDC's lead information line.
Next Steps for Residents
- Contact Weirton Area Water Board to ask if your property has been inventoried and to request a water quality test.
- Inspect your service line. Look at the pipe where it enters your home; lead pipes are soft, dull gray, and leave a mark if scratched with a coin.
- Learn more. Visit EPA.gov/lead or your state drinking water program for resources.
- Talk to your utility about replacement programs. Some systems offer cost-sharing or grants for lead service line replacement.
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 has lead?
The only way to know for sure is to test your water. Contact Weirton Area Water Board to ask about free or low-cost testing. Lead has no taste, smell, or color, so you cannot detect it without a lab test.
Is it safe to drink water from Weirton Area Water Board?
Weirton Area Water Board treats and monitors drinking water to meet EPA safety standards. However, if your home has a lead service line or old plumbing, lead can enter the water after it leaves the treatment plant. Testing your specific water is the safest way to know.
When will Weirton Area Water Board finish mapping lead pipes?
The utility has not yet published a completion date. Contact them directly to ask about their timeline and to find out if your address has been surveyed.
What should I do if my child has been exposed to lead?
Contact your pediatrician or local health department right away. Lead exposure can affect child development, and a doctor can advise you on testing and next steps.