Lead Service Lines in PUTNAM P S D
What you need to know
PUTNAM P S D serves about 26,410 people in West Virginia. The utility draws water from surface sources (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), which typically requires treatment to prevent lead leaching from pipes and plumbing.
The status of lead service lines in this system is unclear. The utility has not yet published a complete inventory of lead service lines — the pipes that connect homes to the water main. This is common: many water systems across the country are still in the early stages of documenting their lead pipes.
Why this matters
Lead service lines are the single biggest source of lead in drinking water for most homes. Even "low-lead" plumbing can release harmful amounts of lead, especially in homes with acidic water or high water velocity. If your home was built before 1960, or if you live in an older neighborhood, the chances are higher — but homes of any age can have lead pipes.
What PUTNAM P S D should be doing
Federal rules require all water systems to inventory lead service lines and share that information with residents by October 2024. If your utility hasn't published an inventory yet, you have the right to ask for it — and to know what's in your home.
What you can do right now
Contact the utility directly. Ask PUTNAM P S D whether lead service lines have been identified in your neighborhood or on your property. Request a copy of their lead inventory or their replacement plan.
Get your water tested. If you're concerned about lead, a simple test (under $50) can tell you if lead is in your tap water right now. A certified lab will give you results you can act on.
Know your pipes. If you own your home, you can often find records of what pipes are underground (usually at your town clerk's office or in old permits). If you rent, your landlord is legally required to disclose known lead hazards.
Consider a filter. NSF-certified pitchers or faucet filters remove lead from drinking and cooking water. They're not perfect, but they're affordable and work while you wait for infrastructure changes.
Next steps for residents
- Contact PUTNAM P S D to request their lead service line inventory or ask about testing
- Have your water tested by a certified lab to check for lead
- If you have young children or are pregnant, consult your pediatrician or doctor about lead exposure risks
- Visit the EPA's lead and copper rule page for more information on your rights
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does PUTNAM P S D have lead service lines?
The utility has not yet published a complete inventory, so the answer isn't public yet. Contact them directly to ask about lead pipes in your area or at your address.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
The utility can tell you, or you can check property records at your town clerk's office. A plumber can also inspect the pipe where it enters your home. Lead is soft, gray, and leaves a mark if you scratch it with a coin.
Is lead in my water dangerous?
Lead can harm child development and cause other health problems, even at low levels. If you're concerned about your health or a child's exposure, talk to your pediatrician or call the CDC's lead hotline at 1-800-CDC-INFO.
What should I do if I think I have a lead service line?
Get your water tested first — you may not have lead in the water even if the pipes are lead. If lead is detected, use a filter, flush the tap before drinking, and ask your utility about replacement programs.