ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – Missouri American Water is asking customers for help with finding lead-exposed pipes around their homes in hopes to improve water service and replace aging systems.

The utility company recently sent out letters to more than 200,000 customers in St. Louis and St. Charles counties. The letters advised customers of “Lead Status Unknown” in regards to their service lines.

The letter asks customers to update their records and determine the material of pipes that connect their homes to the water main. That information can help Missouri American Water determine which customers are dealing with lead or galvanized materials in their pipes and which service lines need to be replaced.

A spokesperson for Missouri American Water tells FOX 2 that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is requiring all U.S. water utilities to inventory their local service lines.

Since Missouri American Water doesn’t own all parts of the service line that connect a customer’s home or business to the water main, they rely on customer records to identify and replace pipes that may be exposed.

“We take steps to reduce the potential of lead leaching from service lines and household plumbing into the water by monitoring our treatment processes and adding a corrosion inhibitor where needed,” the letter reads.

Missouri American Water says its been working to build its inventory in accordance with regulatory requirements since 2019.

A spokesperson says that pipes that need replaced will be done with “no direct cost to the customer.” The letter contains instructions on how to update records online. Customers will be notified if their mains have been impacted and they need to schedule a replacement.

According to the EPA, exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects among all age groups, including behavioral issues in children and risks of high blood pressure, kidney damage, and heart diseases in adults.

Below is a sample of the letter that Missouri American Water recently sent to customers: