PARKERSBURG UTILITY BOARD Lead Service Line Inventory
What you need to know
Parkersburg Utility Board serves roughly 34,251 people in West Virginia. The utility draws its water from surface sources.
Current status: The utility has not yet completed a lead service line inventory, meaning they don't have a full picture yet of which customer connections may contain lead. This is normal—many utilities across the country are still in the early stages of mapping their systems.
Why this matters
Lead service lines are pipes that carry water from the water main in the street to your home. If your line is made of lead, water can pick up lead particles as it travels through the pipe, especially if the water is corrosive or if the pipe has been disturbed.
Lead exposure—especially for young children and pregnant people—carries real health risks. The CDC has documented that no amount of lead exposure is safe for children.
What Parkersburg Utility Board should be doing
Federal rules (updated in 2021) require water utilities to locate and document all lead service lines in their systems. Parkersburg Utility Board is required to create a service line inventory and, if lead lines are found, develop a plan to replace them. The timeline depends on federal funding availability and the utility's capacity.
How to find out about your specific line
Contact Parkersburg Utility Board directly to ask:
- Whether your address has a known or suspected lead service line
- What the utility's current inventory progress is
- Whether you can request a water test
The utility may not have this information immediately, but asking creates a record and puts your address on their radar.
If you're concerned about lead in your water now
You can get your water tested for lead through a certified lab. Some utilities offer free or low-cost testing. The CDC recommends flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking or cooking if water has been sitting in pipes overnight.
For health questions—especially if you have young children in the home—talk to your pediatrician or contact your local health department.
Next steps for residents
- Contact the utility: Call Parkersburg Utility Board to ask about your service line and the inventory timeline.
- Request a water test: Ask whether testing is available and what the results would show.
- Document your address: Make sure the utility has your current contact information so you receive updates.
- Check back: Inventory status typically improves over 2–3 years as federal funding rolls out; revisit this page for updates.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Parkersburg have lead in the water?
Parkersburg Utility Board is still completing its lead service line inventory, so a full picture isn't available yet. Contact the utility directly to ask about your specific address and the system's overall status.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Call Parkersburg Utility Board and ask about your address. They may have records, or they may need to do a physical inspection. A plumber can also identify the material of your line if you dig it up or have visible sections.
Is it safe to drink tap water from a lead service line?
Lead can leach into water from old pipes, especially if the water is corrosive. If you're concerned, request a water test from your utility or a certified lab and talk to your doctor, especially if you have young children.
When will Parkersburg replace lead service lines?
The utility is required to develop a replacement plan once the inventory is complete, but timelines depend on federal funding and local resources. Contact them for their current timeline and whether your street is scheduled.