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Lead service lines in Iowa City, IA

33 water utilities serve Iowa City, with approximately 100,644 people served.

Last verified from EPA SDWIS + utility inventories: 2026-04-14
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Lead Service Lines in Iowa City, IA

Iowa City's water is supplied by 33 different water systems serving 100,644 people. The largest provider is the Iowa City Water Department, which serves about 68,753 residents, followed by the University Water System serving 26,684 people.

What we know about lead service lines here

The lead service line inventory data for Iowa City's water systems is not yet publicly available. This doesn't mean there's lead in your water—it means the utilities are still collecting and compiling information about which pipes connecting homes to the main water line contain lead.

Federal rules require all water systems to complete lead service line inventories and make them public. Iowa City's utilities are working on this, but the timelines vary by system.

Why this matters

Lead service lines are one potential source of lead in drinking water. When water is corrosive (acidic), it can leach lead from these pipes into your home's water supply. Whether lead actually reaches your tap depends on water chemistry, pipe age, and whether corrosion control is in place.

If you're concerned about lead in your drinking water, the safest step is to have your water tested. A simple lab test costs $20–$50 and tells you what's actually in your water right now.

Next steps for residents

  • Contact your water utility to ask about their lead service line inventory status and timeline. Use the utility name and phone number from the list below.
  • Get your water tested if you have a child under six or are pregnant. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources can direct you to certified labs.
  • Check the EPA's lead guidance at epa.gov/lead for practical steps like flushing your pipes before drinking.
  • Ask your utility about their water treatment — many systems add corrosion control to prevent lead from leaching in the first place.

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Water systems serving Iowa City

| System Name | Population Served | |---|---| | Iowa City Water Department | 68,753 | | University Water System | 26,684 | | Coralville Lake–West Overlook | 861 | | Coralville Lake–Sugar Bottom | 689 | | Oakdale Hospital Water System | 450 |

Utilities serving Iowa City

Common questions

Does Iowa City have lead in the water?

Lead in drinking water comes from pipes, not the source water. Iowa City's utilities are still completing their lead service line inventories. The best way to know if lead is in your water is to have it tested by a certified lab.

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

Homes built before 1986 in Iowa are more likely to have lead service lines. Contact your water utility with your address—they can tell you if your line is lead, or you can hire a plumber to inspect it.

Is it safe to drink water from a lead service line?

It depends on your water's chemistry and whether the utility adds corrosion control treatment. Some lead service lines release little or no lead; others do. Testing your water is the only way to know for sure.

What should I do if I'm worried about lead and my kids?

Contact your pediatrician or call the CDC at 1-800-CDC-INFO. They can advise on testing and health steps. You should also have your water tested and contact your utility about their corrosion control practices.