Carthage Lead Service Line Replacement Program
Carthage PWS serves about 14,600 people and reported 156 lead and 1,059 galvanized service lines that must be replaced, out of 6,228 lines, in EPA's Q3 2026 inventory. Here's who pays to replace yours, what it costs, and how to sign up.
No local program confirmed yet
We haven't confirmed the terms of a homeowner replacement program for Carthage PWS. In Missouri, each utility sets its own policy, so call before you hire a contractor.
Five questions to ask Carthage PWS (417-237-7300)
- Is my service line listed as lead, galvanized or unknown, and on which side?
- When is my street scheduled for replacement?
- Do you pay for the private side, or offer a cost share, loan or low-income grant?
- If I hire my own plumber now, will you reimburse me or replace the public side at the same time?
- Do you provide a free filter or lead test while I wait?
Know the program terms? Tell us and we'll add them after checking the source.
Lead lines in Carthage
The most recent 90th-percentile lead result EPA lists for this system is 1.9 parts per billion (2022-01 to 2024-12). Under the new federal rule, the action level drops to 10 ppb in 2027. Galvanized lines count if they ever sat downstream of a lead pipe, because they can hold lead particles. Unknown lines must be identified by the utility, and many turn out to be lead.
How Carthage compares: it ranks #345 of 7,556 U.S. water systems and #10 of 270 in Missouri for lead and galvanized lines. 19.5% of its service lines need replacing, compared with 4.1% across Missouri. See the national ranking.
Source: EPA SDWIS Service Line Inventory, Q3 2026 · Utility phone: 417-237-7300 · PWSID MO5010142
Carthage lead service line map: check your address
Every water utility had to publish an inventory of its service lines, and most offer an address lookup map. Search for "Carthage PWS service line inventory" or call the utility at 417-237-7300 and ask for your address's status. The status will be lead, galvanized requiring replacement, non-lead or unknown. If it's unknown, you can usually check the pipe yourself and send the utility a photo.
Who pays in Missouri?
This state has no law we found that decides who pays for the private side of a lead service line, so each utility sets its own policy. Under the federal rule, utilities must replace every lead line and galvanized line that needs it within ten years of November 1, 2027, but the rule does not make utilities pay for the owner's side. Federal infrastructure money passed through the state revolving fund can pay for it, so many utilities offer free or discounted replacement, especially for low-income owners.
The law: Federal Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (40 CFR 141 Subpart I). Mandatory? No state owner mandate found; the federal rule requires most utilities to replace all lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by 2037. Funding: State Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (federal lead service line money).
Sources: epa.gov
Nationwide, EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements require most utilities to replace every lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement line by December 31, 2037, starting November 1, 2027. Utilities must mail a notice every year to each home with a lead, galvanized or unknown line. See the federal timeline.
What would you pay?
Many utility loans are 0% (enter 0). Private loans run higher. Your real price depends on how far the house sits from the street, digging versus trenchless methods, permits and restoration. This is an estimate, not a quote.
Not covered, or can't wait?
Get up to 3 quotes from licensed plumbers who replace service lines in Carthage.
Common questions
Is lead service line replacement free in Carthage?
We haven't confirmed a free program in Carthage yet. Ask Carthage PWS whether it covers the private side, offers a cost share, or uses federal money for low-income owners.
Is lead service line replacement mandatory in Carthage?
No state owner mandate found; the federal rule requires most utilities to replace all lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by 2037.
How much does it cost to replace a lead service line in Carthage?
Most private-side replacements cost about $4,000 to $10,000, and long or difficult lines can run higher. Price depends on the distance from the street to your house, whether the contractor digs a trench or pulls the new pipe through (trenchless), permits, and restoring your lawn, sidewalk or basement wall. We haven't confirmed a local cost-share program for Carthage, so ask the utility before you hire anyone; many programs only pay if the utility's own contractor does the work.
How do I know if my home has a lead service line?
Look up your address on Carthage PWS's service line inventory or check the letter it mailed you. You can also check the pipe where it enters your basement, usually near the meter: lead is dull gray, soft, and turns shiny silver when you scratch it with a key, and a magnet won't stick. Galvanized steel is gray too, but a magnet sticks to it. See our step-by-step guide.
What if I can't afford to replace my lead line?
Ask Carthage PWS about income-based help first; federal money often makes replacement free for low-income owners. Other options are utility payment plans, 0% city loans, state revolving fund programs, property tax assessments and home improvement loans. Our guide on paying for replacement lists them.
Who owns the water service line?
In most U.S. cities the utility owns the pipe from the water main to the curb stop or property line, and the property owner owns the rest, into the house. Some utilities, including Minneapolis and many in St. Louis County, treat the whole line as the owner's. Federal rules now require utilities to replace the whole lead line, not just their part.
Other Missouri programs
Kansas City ✓St. Louis County (Missouri American) ✓St. Louis ✓Joplin (Missouri American Water) ✓St. Joseph (Missouri American Water) ✓Jefferson City (Missouri American Water) ✓HannibalIndependencePark HillsMonett
Something out of date? Report a change. We recheck program terms at least once a year.