Lead Service Lines in Cody, WY
If you live in Cody and want to know whether lead service lines—the pipes that connect your home to the water main—are a concern in your area, here's what you need to know.
What we know about Cody's water systems
Cody is served by 33 water systems, with the largest being the City of Cody (serving about 10,200 people) and Northwest Rural Water District (serving about 7,330 people). The remaining systems are smaller, including guest ranches, visitor centers, and mobile home parks.
Current inventory data: According to available records, no lead service lines have been confirmed in Cody's water systems, and no galvanized service lines have been reported. However, many water systems in Wyoming—including several in Cody—have not yet completed a full inventory of their service lines. This means the absence of reported lead does not guarantee it isn't present; it may simply mean testing and documentation are still underway.
Why this matters
Lead service lines can leach lead into your drinking water, especially if the water is corrosive or if pipes are old. The risk is highest for infants, young children, and pregnant people. Even homes built more recently can have lead service lines or lead solder in plumbing fixtures.
What you should do
The first step is to contact your water utility directly. Ask them:
- Whether your home has a lead service line
- If they have completed a service line inventory
- What their timeline is for testing or replacement, if needed
If your utility hasn't tested your specific line, you can request a water quality test or do a simple visual inspection of exposed pipes in your basement or crawl space (lead pipes are dull gray and soft enough to be scratched with a coin).
Next steps for residents
- Contact your water utility — City of Cody (307-578-5055) or Northwest Rural Water District — and ask about your service line material
- Request a water test if you're unsure whether lead is present
- Talk to your pediatrician if you have concerns about children's exposure; they can recommend next steps
- Visit the EPA's lead and copper rule page for more information on treatment and testing options