Lead Service Lines in Morgantown, West Virginia
What you need to know
Morgantown Utility Board serves about 64,644 people in West Virginia. Like water systems across the US, the utility is required by federal law to inventory lead service lines—the pipes that connect homes to the public water main.
Current status: The utility has not yet completed its lead service line inventory. This means the exact number of lead pipes in the system is still unknown.
Why this matters
Lead service lines are the primary source of lead in drinking water. When water sits in these older pipes, lead can leach into your water supply. Even small amounts of lead exposure can affect children's development, so knowing whether your home has a lead service line is an important first step.
What Morgantown Utility Board is doing
Federal law (the Lead and Copper Rule) requires all water systems to identify lead service lines and develop replacement plans. Morgantown Utility Board is working to complete this inventory. Once finished, the utility will know:
- How many lead service lines exist in the system
- Which neighborhoods are affected
- A timeline and funding plan for replacements
How to find out if your home has a lead service line
1. Contact Morgantown Utility Board directly. Ask whether your address has a lead service line on record. You can also ask about the status of the inventory. 2. Request your service line material. If records don't exist, the utility may be able to send someone to inspect the pipe where it enters your home. 3. Check your property. If you have access to where the water line enters your foundation, the pipe material may be visible. Lead pipes are soft, dull gray, and leave a mark if scratched with a coin.
If you have a lead service line
Even with a lead service line, you can reduce risk: run water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking, use cold water for drinking and cooking, and consider a certified lead-removing filter. Talk to your doctor or pediatrician about testing if you're concerned.
Next steps for residents
- Call Morgantown Utility Board and ask about your service line.
- Inquire about the completion timeline for the lead inventory.
- If you have young children or are pregnant, discuss water safety with your doctor.
- Consider a certified lead-reducing filter as a temporary measure while awaiting inventory results.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Morgantown have lead in the water?
Lead comes primarily from service lines and household plumbing, not from the source water itself. Morgantown Utility Board is currently inventorying lead service lines to identify which homes may be at risk. Contact the utility to find out if your address has a lead service line.
How do I know if my home has a lead service line?
Contact Morgantown Utility Board with your address—they have records of service line materials. You can also look at where the water line enters your home; lead pipes are soft, gray, and dull. A certified plumber or the utility can inspect if you're unsure.
Is lead in water dangerous for children?
Yes. Even low levels of lead exposure can affect children's brain development. If you have young children or are pregnant and concerned about lead, talk to your pediatrician or doctor. The CDC provides guidance on lead and health at cdc.gov.
When will Morgantown replace lead service lines?
The utility is still completing its inventory. Once finished, it will develop a replacement plan with a timeline and funding strategy. Contact Morgantown Utility Board to ask about their expected completion date and replacement schedule.