Lead Service Lines in Denver, CO
Denver Water Board serves nearly 1.3 million people across the metro area through 71 different water systems. Whether lead service lines are present in your neighborhood depends on your specific water provider and the age of your home's connection.
What are lead service lines?
A lead service line is the pipe that connects your home to the city's water main. If your line is made of lead, drinking water can pick up small amounts of the metal as it travels to your tap. Lead exposure is a real health concern—especially for young children and pregnant people—but it's preventable with the right steps.
Most lead service lines in the US were installed between 1880 and 1950, though some exist in homes built into the 1980s. If your home was built during this period, there's a higher chance your service line contains lead.
Denver's water systems
The Denver Water Board is by far the largest utility in the region, serving 1,287,000 people. Smaller systems like Crestview WSD, Cherry Creek Valley WSD, North Washington Street WSD, and Advenir French Quarter also serve parts of the Denver metro area.
Important: The water utilities listed here have not yet published detailed lead service line inventories in the public directory. This doesn't mean lead lines aren't present—it means the information isn't yet available online. Many utilities are still completing their inventories as required by federal law.
How to find out if you have a lead service line
Your water utility is your best source. Contact Denver Water Board or your local provider directly and ask:
- Does my address have a known lead service line?
- What's the material of the service line at my property?
- Do you have an interactive map or report I can access?
You can also check your home's age and construction records—older homes are higher risk—and ask neighbors about their lines.
Reducing lead exposure while you wait
If you're concerned about lead in your water right now, the CDC recommends:
- Run cold water for 30 seconds before using it for drinking or cooking (longer if the line hasn't been used for several hours)
- Use cold water for cooking and baby formula; hot water leaches more lead
- Consider a point-of-use water filter certified for lead removal
For health questions about lead exposure, contact your pediatrician or the CDC.
Next steps for residents
- Contact your water utility directly to ask about lead service lines at your address
- Check your home's age and ask a plumber or inspector about the service line material
- Request an inventory or map from your provider; many utilities are building these now and may share findings upon request
- If lead is confirmed, ask your utility about replacement programs and financing options—many offer assistance
```json [ { "q": "Does Denver Water have lead in the water?", "a": "Denver Water serves 1.3 million people, but has not yet published a detailed public inventory of lead service lines. Lead in water comes from the pipes connecting your home, not from the treatment plant. Contact Denver Water directly to find out if your address has a lead service line." }, { "q": "How do I know if my house has a lead service line?", "a": "Ask your water utility for your address's service line material. Older homes (built before 1950) are higher risk. You can also hire a plumber to inspect or test the line at your property." }, { "q": "Is it safe to drink tap water in Denver?", "a": "Denver's treated water meets federal safety standards, but lead can enter through old service lines after treatment. If you're concerned, run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, use cold water for cooking, and contact the CDC or your pediatrician for health questions." }, { "q": "How much does it cost to replace a lead service line?", "a": "Replacement costs vary widely, but typically range from