LeadPipeLookup

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Lead service lines in Hammond, IN

1 water utility serves Hammond, with approximately 78,384 people served.

Last verified from EPA SDWIS + utility inventories: 2026-04-14
Known lead
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Galvanized
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Unknown
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% unknown
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Lead Service Lines in Hammond, IN

What you need to know

Hammond Water Works Department serves all 78,384 residents of Hammond. The utility has not reported any known lead service lines in its current inventory.

That said, "no known lead" doesn't mean "zero lead." Utilities are still in the early stages of mapping their pipes. Many systems built before 1986—when the EPA banned lead in water system components—used lead service lines to connect homes to the main water line. If your home was built or connected before the late 1980s, there's a real possibility your line contains lead, even if it hasn't been officially inventoried yet.

Why this matters

Lead can leach into drinking water, especially in homes with older plumbing or where water is acidic. Children under 6 and pregnant people are at highest risk. The CDC recommends testing if you're concerned—this is the only way to know your actual water quality.

What Hammond residents should do

Contact Hammond Water Works Department directly. Ask them:

  • Does my address have a lead service line?
  • Can they test my water for lead?
  • What's their timeline for completing a full line inventory?

You can also request your own test through a certified lab. Many health departments offer low-cost or free testing—check with the Lake County Health Department.

Interim steps

If you're waiting for answers or test results:

  • Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking (flushes the line)
  • Use cold water for drinking and cooking (hot water leaches lead faster)
  • Consider a point-of-use filter certified for lead removal (NSF/ANSI 53)

These are precautions, not panic measures. But they're worth doing if you have young children or are pregnant.

Next steps for residents

  • Contact Hammond Water Works Department (PWSID: IN5245020) and request your service line status
  • Ask about free or low-cost water testing through your utility or county health department
  • If your home was built before 1990, prioritize getting your water tested
  • Visit the EPA's lead in drinking water page for more science-backed information

Utilities serving Hammond

Common questions

Does Hammond have lead service lines?

Hammond Water Works Department has not reported any known lead service lines in its current inventory. However, the inventory is still being completed. Homes built before the late 1980s may have lead lines even if they haven't been officially mapped yet. Contact the utility to check your address.

How do I know if my house has a lead service line?

Contact Hammond Water Works Department and ask about your address. You can also dig up a small section of pipe near your meter (if accessible) and scrape it—lead is soft and shiny underneath. A certified lab can test your water to measure actual lead levels.

Is Hammond water safe to drink?

Hammond Water Works Department treats and monitors water for safety. However, lead can enter water through old pipes in individual homes. The best way to know your actual risk is to test your water. If you're pregnant or have young children, testing is especially important.

What should I do if I'm worried about lead in my water?

Start by contacting Hammond Water Works Department to learn your service line status. Request a water test through your utility or a certified lab. In the meantime, run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, and use cold water for cooking and drinking water.