MOUND BAYOU, Miss. — Mound Bayou is moving forward with a comprehensive plan to address lead and copper service lines as part of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2021 Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR). The city is notifying residents whose water service lines are made from unknown materials, which may include lead or galvanized pipe, and urging them to take action.
Under federal regulations, water systems must inform customers if their service lines are made of lead, galvanized material that requires replacement, or an unknown substance. If you received this notice, it means that the material of your service line is undetermined but could potentially include lead or galvanized pipes previously connected to lead.
The federal rule requires water systems to replace all lead pipes by 2037, and Mound Bayou is committed to complying with this deadline. As part of this process, the city is in the midst of identifying service line materials throughout the community. Once this is complete, affected residents will receive follow-up notices indicating whether they have lead service lines (LSLs), galvanized requiring replacement (GRR), or non-lead lines.
While homes built after 1988 are unlikely to have lead service lines, Mound Bayou officials stress the importance of identifying and replacing old pipes that could pose health risks. Lead exposure can have serious health effects, particularly for infants, children, and pregnant women. In children, lead exposure can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems. For adults, lead exposure can increase risks of heart disease, kidney damage, and nervous system disorders.
To comply with federal rules, Mound Bayou is developing a Lead Service Line Replacement Plan in partnership with the EPA’s “Get the Lead Out” (GLO) initiative. As part of this effort, the city will be identifying all water service line materials over the next several months. Once the materials are determined, homeowners will be informed of their specific line status.
Responsibility for replacing lead service lines is shared. The city will replace the portion of the service line running from the water meter to the water main, while homeowners are responsible for replacing the private portion of the line, which runs from the house to the meter. The city is working with the EPA to explore potential funding opportunities to assist homeowners with replacing private lines.
The health risks associated with lead in drinking water are significant, and Mound Bayou officials urge residents to take immediate precautions. The EPA advises using certified filters designed to remove lead and recommends using cold water for drinking and cooking, as hot water can dissolve more lead. Additionally, residents should regularly clean faucet aerators to remove sediment and lead particles.
Mound Bayou residents who want more information about their service lines or need help identifying lead pipes can contact the local water department or visit the EPA’s website for resources on protecting their water.
For more information on the “Get the Lead Out” initiative and to learn more about lead in drinking water, visit the EPA’s official website
