LeadPipeLookup

Colorado › City overview

Lead service lines in Boulder, CO

23 water utilities serve Boulder, with approximately 172,412 people served.

Last verified from EPA SDWIS + utility inventories: 2026-04-14
Known lead
0
Galvanized
0
Unknown
0
% unknown
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Lead Service Lines in Boulder, CO

What you need to know

Boulder's water systems serve about 172,000 people across 23 different utilities. The good news: current data shows no confirmed lead service lines in Boulder's public water systems. That doesn't mean lead pipes don't exist in older homes—it means they haven't been documented in official inventories yet.

Lead service lines are pipes that connect the water main in the street to your home. If your house was built before the 1980s, there's a higher chance your service line contains lead, even if the water system hasn't identified it. Lead can leach into drinking water, especially if water is acidic or sits in pipes overnight.

Where to start

The City of Boulder (which serves 166,000 residents) manages the largest water system in the area. If you live in Boulder, that's your primary water provider. Smaller districts like Pine Brook Hills Water District, Baseline Water District, and others serve specific neighborhoods.

Your water utility is required by federal law to:

  • Test water for lead at tap
  • Maintain an inventory of service lines
  • Share their findings with you

Most water systems in Colorado have begun or completed lead service line inventories under EPA rules. If your utility hasn't finished yet, they must do so in the next few years.

Check your home

You can't always tell if you have a lead service line by looking. Here's what to do:

1. Contact your water utility directly and ask if your address has a lead or galvanized service line on file 2. Get your water tested through the utility or a certified lab—especially important if you have young children or are pregnant 3. Ask for the utility's lead inventory or action plan to see what they know about service lines in your neighborhood

Next steps for residents

  • Call your water provider (City of Boulder: check the utility website for the water quality office number) and ask about your service line
  • Request a free or low-cost tap water test for lead
  • If you have young children, contact your pediatrician about whether testing makes sense for your household
  • Keep an eye out for utility notices about lead inventories—these are required by law

Utilities serving Boulder

Common questions

Is Boulder water safe to drink?

Boulder's water systems have not reported confirmed lead service lines. However, the only way to know if lead is reaching your tap is to test your water. Contact the City of Boulder's water quality office to request a free test.

How do I know if I have a lead service line?

Call your water utility and ask if your address is on file with a lead or galvanized service line. You can also hire a plumber to inspect your meter, though it may be partially buried. The utility has the most accurate records.

What should I do if my water tests positive for lead?

Contact your pediatrician or the CDC for health guidance. Your water utility should provide instructions on steps like flushing, using filters, or line replacement options. Ask about any available programs to help cover replacement costs.

When will Boulder finish its lead service line inventory?

Colorado utilities are working under EPA deadlines to complete inventories. Contact your specific water system (City of Boulder, Pine Brook Hills, or your local district) to ask their timeline and view their current findings.