Lead Service Lines in Des Moines, IA

Des Moines serves about 254,700 people across 9 water systems. The largest by far is Des Moines Water Works, which supplies roughly 246,000 residents in the city proper.

What we know about lead service lines here

Lead service lines are pipes that connect your home to the water main buried under the street. If your line is made of lead, it can leach lead into your drinking water—especially if the water is corrosive or hasn't sat in the pipes for a few hours.

The good news: Des Moines Water Works has not reported any confirmed lead service lines in its inventory. The utility also reports zero galvanized steel pipes (which can corrode and release metals). However, "not reported" does not always mean "not present"—it often means the utility hasn't finished surveying every connection yet, or records are incomplete.

Smaller systems serving Des Moines areas, like Southeast Polk RWD (7,565 people) and Val Vista Estates (553 people), also have not reported known lead lines. Data for all systems remains incomplete.

How to check your own home

Your service line status depends on:

• When your home was built. Lines installed before 1986 are more likely to be lead. Pre-1950 homes are at highest risk.
• Your location. Some neighborhoods have older infrastructure than others.
• Your utility's records. Call your water provider and ask whether your address has a lead or galvanized service line on file.

You can request a free or low-cost water test from Des Moines Water Works or your local utility to measure lead levels. Testing is the only way to know for sure what's in your water right now.

Reducing lead exposure while you wait

If you're concerned:

• Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking (flushes the line).
• Use cold water for drinking and cooking; hot water pulls more lead from pipes.
• Consider a pitcher filter or faucet filter certified for lead removal (look for NSF/ANSI 53).

If a child under age 6 lives in your home, talk to your pediatrician about a blood lead test.

Next steps for residents

• Contact your water utility (Des Moines Water Works: 515-283-7005) and ask if your service line is lead or galvanized.
• Request a free or discounted water test to check lead levels at your tap.
• Check your home's age and location against your utility's lead line maps if available online.
• Talk to your pediatrician if you have young children and want guidance on testing or reducing exposure.

```json [ { "q": "Does Des Moines have lead pipes?", "a": "Des Moines Water Works (the largest utility) has not reported any confirmed lead service lines in its inventory. However, data is still being collected, and older homes built before 1986 are at higher risk. Call your utility to check your specific address." }, { "q": "How do I know if my house has a lead service line?", "a": "Contact Des Moines Water Works or your local water utility with your address—they can check their records. You can also request a water test to measure lead levels at your tap, or hire a plumber to visually inspect your line (it's soft, dull gray metal)." }, { "q": "Is lead water dangerous?", "a": "Lead in drinking water is a real health concern, especially for young children and pregnant women. There is no safe level. Visit the CDC website for detailed health information, or talk to your doctor or pediatrician about testing and exposure reduction." }, { "q": "How can I reduce lead in my tap water?", "a": "Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, use cold water for drinking