MEMPHIS, Tenn. — It’s estimated there could be up to 30,000 lead water pipes in the city of Memphis, and you probably don’t even know if the water in your home is affected.

MLGW said it doesn’t know precisely how many lead pipes there are or where they’re located, but it hopes to find out sometime this summer when it launches a multiyear lead pipe survey.

The utility provider said the lead pipes are likely in homes inside the parkways built before 1950.

“It’s gonna be an older home. Maybe a home that’s 70, 80, 90, 100 years old,” said Jerry Collins, president of MLGW.

The news has Carolyn Schaeffer wondering if lead exposure is why she hasn’t been feeling herself lately.

“That’s probably what’s our problem. Everybody sick and stuff,” said Schaeffer.

MLGW said it’s easy to tell if a home has lead pipes — they just have to look inside the water meter.

Once MLGW knows where the lead pipes are, Collins said they will contact the homeowner and then coat the inside of the pipes with a special chemical.

“So that there’s less chance of contact between the water and the pipe,” said Collins.

But MLGW won’t be changing out the lead pipes — perhaps, for good reason.

“When you start sawing it or cutting it or disturbing it, that’s when the lead particles break loose,” said Collins.

If you know you have a lead pipe, Collins recommended running the water for a while before drinking it.

You can also call MLGW and arrange for free lead testing of your water.