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Lead service lines in Kansas City, MO

12 water utilities serve Kansas City, with approximately 530,051 people served.

Last verified from EPA SDWIS + utility inventories: 2026-04-14
Known lead
0
Galvanized
0
Unknown
0
% unknown
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Lead Service Lines in Kansas City, MO

Kansas City's water system serves about 530,000 people across 12 water utilities. If you're concerned about lead in your home's water, here's what you need to know and what to do next.

What we know about lead service lines in Kansas City

Lead service lines are pipes that connect the public water main to your home. They were commonly installed before 1986, when federal regulations began restricting their use. Lead can leach into drinking water, especially if the water is corrosive or if pipes are old and corroded.

Currently, the water utilities serving Kansas City have not publicly reported inventory data on lead or galvanized service lines. This doesn't mean the problem is absent—it means the data either hasn't been collected, hasn't been made public, or is still being compiled.

Kansas City's largest utility is Kansas City PWS, which serves 513,800 people. Several smaller systems also serve parts of the metro area, including Platte County Cons PWSD 1 and a handful of smaller municipal and commercial water systems.

What you can do now

Contact your water utility directly. They are required by federal law to maintain records of their service line material. Ask them:

  • What material is your service line made of?
  • Do they have a lead service line replacement program?
  • What's their timeline for testing or replacing old pipes?

Get your water tested. If your home was built before 1986, or if you don't know your service line material, consider having your water tested for lead. Many health departments offer low-cost or free testing kits.

Reduce exposure in the meantime. Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking if the water hasn't been used for several hours. Use cold water only for cooking and drinking (hot water may contain more lead).

If you have young children or are pregnant, consult your pediatrician or doctor about lead exposure risks specific to your situation.

Next steps for residents

  • Contact Kansas City PWS or your local utility to request your service line inventory records
  • Ask if your utility offers free or subsidized lead service line replacement
  • Get your water tested through your local health department
  • If lead is found, work with your utility on a replacement timeline

Utilities serving Kansas City

Common questions

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

Contact your water utility with your address—they should have records of your service line material. You can also have a plumber inspect the line where it enters your home; lead is soft and gray, and will leave a mark if scratched with a knife.

Is lead in water dangerous?

Lead can harm development in children and cause health problems in adults, especially at high levels. For specific health concerns, talk to your doctor or call the CDC's lead hotline.

Can I remove lead from my tap water myself?

Some filters certified for lead removal (NSF 53 or NSF 58) can reduce it, but the most reliable solution is replacing the service line itself. Ask your utility about replacement assistance programs.

Is Kansas City's water safe to drink?

Kansas City PWS and other utilities test for contaminants and maintain water quality standards. If you're concerned about lead specifically, request your utility's latest lead testing results and service line inventory.