LeadPipeLookup

Iowa › City overview

Lead service lines in Ames, IA

10 water utilities serve Ames, with approximately 98,147 people served.

Last verified from EPA SDWIS + utility inventories: 2026-04-14
Known lead
0
Galvanized
0
Unknown
0
% unknown
—

Lead service lines in Ames, IA

Lead service lines are pipes made of lead that connect water mains to homes. If your home was built before the 1980s, there's a chance your service line contains lead. When water sits in these pipes—especially if it's acidic or soft—lead can dissolve into your drinking water.

What we know about Ames

Ames serves about 98,147 people across 10 water systems. The largest systems are the Ames Water Treatment Plant (serving roughly 55,177 people) and ISU (serving approximately 42,000 people).

The good news: none of these systems have reported known lead service lines in their current inventories. However, "none reported" is different from "we've checked every pipe." Many water systems in the US are still conducting inventories as required by the EPA, so some lead lines may not yet be documented.

What this means for your home

Whether lead is a concern for you depends on:

  • Your home's age. Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead service lines, though they can exist in newer homes too.
  • Whether your service line has been replaced. Even in older neighborhoods, some homes may have non-lead pipes.
  • Your water's chemistry. Ames' water treatment includes pH adjustment to reduce lead leaching, but some homes may still be at higher risk.

The only way to know for sure is to have your service line inspected or tested. This typically requires a plumber or your water utility.

Next steps for residents

  • Contact Ames Water Treatment Plant or your local utility to ask: Do they have a map of lead service lines in your area? Can they tell you what material your service line is made from?
  • If you have young children or are pregnant, consider having your water tested for lead. Contact your utility about free or low-cost testing.
  • Get a water test. Even if your service line isn't lead, pipes inside older homes sometimes contain lead solder or brass fittings. A simple test reveals whether lead is actually in your water.
  • Use cold water for drinking and cooking. Hot water leaches more lead from pipes. If you haven't used your tap in 6+ hours, flush it for 30 seconds before drinking.

Utilities serving Ames

Common questions

Does Ames Iowa have lead in the water?

Ames water systems have not reported known lead service lines in their inventories. However, this doesn't guarantee lead isn't present—many systems are still completing surveys. The best way to know if lead is in your home's water is to test it or have your service line inspected by a plumber.

How old does a house need to be to have a lead service line?

Lead service lines are most common in homes built before 1986, when the EPA began restricting lead in pipes. However, they can exist in newer homes too. Age alone isn't definitive—you need an inspection to be sure.

Can I remove a lead service line myself?

No. Service line replacement must be done by a licensed plumber and often requires permits and inspections from your city. Contact the Ames Water Treatment Plant to ask about programs or assistance that may help with replacement costs.

Is it safe to drink tap water in Ames?

Ames water systems treat water to reduce lead leaching. If you're concerned about lead in your home specifically, the safest step is to have your water tested. Contact your utility for testing options.