Lead Service Lines in Indianapolis, IN

What you need to know

Indianapolis is served by 84 water systems that supply water to about 1 million residents. Right now, there is no reported data on lead service lines in the Indianapolis area—which means the water utilities have not yet published their lead line inventories or the information isn't available in a centralized location.

This doesn't mean there are no lead service lines. Many older cities have them, especially in neighborhoods built before the 1980s. Lead service lines—the pipes that connect your home to the main water line under the street—can be a source of lead in drinking water, especially if water is corrosive or if lines are disturbed.

The three largest water systems

• Citizens Water - Indianapolis: Serves about 880,000 people
• Citizens Water of Westfield: Serves about 61,500 people
• City of Lawrence Utilities: Serves about 49,000 people

If you live in Indianapolis proper, you likely receive water from Citizens Water - Indianapolis.

What you can do now

Contact your water utility directly. Ask them:

• Do you have a lead service line inventory?
• If so, can you tell me whether my address has a known lead line?
• What testing or treatment options are available to me?

Your utility's water quality report (called a Consumer Confidence Report) is published annually and may contain information about lead testing results in your area. You can request this from your utility or find it on their website.

Get your water tested. If you're concerned about lead, a simple test costs $20–50 at most labs. The EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791) can help you find a certified lab near you.

Reduce exposure at home. Even without a lead service line, lead can come from interior plumbing. Run water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking if it's been sitting. Use cold water for drinking and cooking (hot water dissolves lead faster). Consider a certified lead-reduction filter if testing shows elevated levels.

If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your pediatrician or doctor about lead exposure risks and testing.

Next steps for residents

• Contact your water utility and ask for their lead service line inventory
• Request your home address's status and your utility's most recent water quality report
• Have your water tested if you live in an older home or are concerned about lead
• Use cold water for drinking and cooking; flush lines before use

```json [ { "q": "How do I know if I have a lead service line in Indianapolis?", "a": "Contact your water utility (likely Citizens Water - Indianapolis if you're in the city) and ask if they have a lead service line inventory. They can tell you if your address has a known lead line. You can also check your home's age—lines installed before 1980 are more likely to be lead." }, { "q": "Is Indianapolis water safe to drink?", "a": "Indianapolis water systems are regulated and must test for lead regularly. However, lead can enter water through service lines or interior plumbing. The best way to know is to have your water tested. Your utility's annual water quality report also has testing results." }, { "q": "What should I do if my house has a lead service line?", "a": "Talk to your water utility about treatment options like corrosion control, which reduces lead leaching. The most permanent fix is replacing the line, but that's expensive. In the meantime, flush your lines before drinking, use cold water for cooking, and consider a certified lead-reduction filter." }, { "q": "Can I get help paying to replace a lead service line?", "a": "Some water utilities offer assistance programs or rebates for lead line replacement.