Lead Service Lines in Des Peres, MO
What we know about lead pipes in your area
Des Peres has a population of 173,427 served by 303 water systems. Based on available inventory data, no confirmed lead service lines have been reported in the systems serving this area. However, this doesn't mean lead pipes don't exist—it means either they haven't been inventoried yet, or inventories are still in progress.
The largest water systems serving Des Peres residents include Magnolia-Eden Isles (10,155 people), Magnolia-Greenleaves (8,031 people), and Magnolia-Resolve Whisperwood (6,867 people). These systems, along with dozens of smaller ones, are responsible for tracking lead service lines under federal regulations.
Why this matters
Lead service lines are the pipes that connect your home to the water main under the street. When water sits in a lead pipe overnight or for several hours, lead can leach into your tap water. This is especially concerning for infants and young children, whose developing brains are more vulnerable to lead's effects.
Even if your water system reports zero confirmed lead lines, you may still have one. Many systems across the country are still completing their inventories. A pipe that hasn't been found yet is still a pipe in the ground.
What you can do now
Contact your water utility directly to ask:
- Whether your address has a lead service line
- If they've completed their inventory for your neighborhood
- What testing or replacement programs are available
Your utility should provide this information for free. If your water system hasn't inventoried your street yet, ask when they plan to.
Testing your water
If you're concerned about lead, you can request a free or low-cost water test from your utility, or purchase an inexpensive test kit. The CDC recommends testing if you have a lead service line, live in an older home (pre-1986), or notice discoloration in your water.
For health concerns, consult your pediatrician or the CDC's lead page.
Next steps for residents
- Call your water utility and ask if your home has a lead service line
- Request a water test if your utility hasn't confirmed your pipes are lead-free
- Ask about replacement programs — many utilities offer cost-sharing or free lead line replacement
- Note your water system's name (listed above) and have your address ready when you call