Lead Service Lines in Fort Collins, CO
Fort Collins serves about 325,000 people across 64 water systems. The city's five largest utilities are the City of Fort Collins (serving 179,901 people), Fort Collins Loveland Water District (63,532 people), East Larimer County Water District (27,944 people), and two Colorado State University campus systems.
What we know about lead in Fort Collins
Water systems report their lead service line counts to the state. However, complete inventory data is not yet publicly available for most Fort Collins utilities—including the City of Fort Collins system, which serves the majority of residents. This is common across the country; many utilities are still conducting surveys to identify which pipes contain lead.
Lead enters drinking water primarily through corroded service lines—the pipes that connect the water main to your home. Lead itself doesn't cause cloudiness or bad taste, so you cannot detect it without testing. Even small amounts can pose a health risk, especially for young children.
How to find out about your water system
Your water utility is required by federal law to test for lead and publish results annually. Start by identifying which system serves your address:
- City of Fort Collins residents: Contact the City of Fort Collins Water Utilities Department
- Fort Collins Loveland WD customers: Contact Fort Collins Loveland Water District
- East Larimer County WD customers: Contact East Larimer County Water District
- CSU campus residents: Contact Colorado State University Facilities
Ask your utility for:
- Their most recent lead and copper testing results
- Whether they've identified lead service lines in your neighborhood
- What your home's service line is made of (if they know)
- Free or low-cost testing options
Steps you can take now
If you're concerned about lead in your home, do not wait for a complete city inventory. You can take action immediately.
Next steps for residents
- Call your water utility to request a copy of their latest lead testing report and ask if lead service lines have been identified on your street
- Test your water using an affordable kit (many utilities offer free tests; the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline can direct you to local options)
- Use cold water for drinking and cooking until you know your lead level; hot water dissolves lead more readily
- Consult your pediatrician if you have young children and want guidance on lead exposure risk
```json [ { "q": "Does Fort Collins have lead service lines?", "a": "Complete inventory data is not yet publicly available for most Fort Collins water utilities. The City of Fort Collins and other systems are working to identify lead pipes, but the process is ongoing. Contact your water utility directly to ask about lead lines in your area." }, { "q": "How do I know if my house has a lead service line?", "a": "Call your water utility with your address; they may have records of your pipe material. You can also look at the pipe where it enters your home—lead is soft, gray, and leaves a mark if you scrape it gently with a coin. A licensed plumber can confirm for certain." }, { "q": "Can I get my water tested for lead in Fort Collins?", "a": "Yes. Contact your water utility to ask about free or low-cost testing kits. The EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791) can also direct you to local testing resources." }, { "q": "Is it safe to drink tap water in Fort Collins right now?", "a": "Fort Collins utilities test for lead regularly and are required to