Lead Service Lines in Lafayette, IN
What you need to know
Lafayette's water systems serve about 81,000 people across 53 different utilities. The largest is Lafayette Water Works, which supplies water to roughly 70,835 residents.
Currently, there are no confirmed lead service lines reported in Lafayette's public water system data. However, this doesn't mean lead pipes aren't present—it means the information simply hasn't been collected or reported yet. Indiana water utilities are required by federal law to test for lead and inventory their service lines, but data reporting is still underway in many areas.
Why this matters
Lead service lines are pipes that connect a water main in the street to homes and buildings. When water sits in these pipes—especially if it's acidic or low in mineral content—lead can leach into the water you drink and use for cooking. Lead exposure, particularly in young children, can affect development and learning. There's no safe level of lead in drinking water.
Even if your utility hasn't reported lead service lines yet, your home could still have one. Homes built before the 1980s are at higher risk, though lead pipes were used in some areas well into the 1990s.
What to do right now
Contact your water utility. Lafayette Water Works and the other utilities serving the area can tell you whether your property has a lead service line. You can ask directly or request a copy of the utility's lead service line inventory.
Get your water tested. An inexpensive test (under $50) from a certified lab can tell you if lead is present in your tap water. Your utility may offer free testing; call and ask. The EPA's SafeWater hotline (800-426-4791) can help you find a lab.
Use cold tap water for drinking and cooking. Hot water leaches lead faster than cold water. If water has been sitting in pipes for more than 6 hours, run the cold tap for 30 seconds before filling a glass.
If you have questions about your child's health and lead exposure, talk to your pediatrician or contact your local health department.
Next steps for residents
- Call your water utility (Lafayette Water Works: check the city website for the number) and ask if your address is on a lead service line
- Request a free or low-cost lead test from your utility or find a certified lab
- Learn your utility's plan for replacing lead service lines—federal funding is now available to help cover costs
- Use cold tap water for drinking and cooking until you know your home's status