Lead Service Lines in Lakewood, CO
Lakewood's water systems serve 268,185 residents across 79 separate utilities. Your water system depends on which area of the city you live in—Lakewood is served by multiple water providers, each responsible for their own lead service line inventory and testing.
What we know about lead in Lakewood
Currently, no known lead service lines have been reported in the inventory data for Lakewood's water systems. However, this doesn't mean lead pipes aren't present. Many systems haven't finished surveying their entire networks, or records from decades past may be incomplete or unclear. The absence of reported lead lines often reflects incomplete inventories rather than the absence of risk.
The five largest water providers in Lakewood
CONSOLIDATED MUTUAL MAPLE GROVE (81,400 residents) is the largest provider. GREEN MOUNTAIN WSD (49,400), BANCROFT CLOVER WSD (44,000), BEAR CREEK WSD (30,000), and WILLOWBROOK WSD (9,348) collectively serve most of the remaining population.
None of these utilities have published known lead service line counts in their current inventories. This data gap is common—many water systems are still in early stages of mapping their pipes.
Why this matters for your home
Lead service lines carry water from the street main directly into your home. They were commonly installed before 1990 and pose the greatest risk when water sits in the pipe overnight or for several hours. If your home was built before 1990 and you haven't had your service line inspected, there's a reasonable chance it could contain lead.
The only way to know your service line material is to contact your local water utility or hire a plumber to inspect it.
What Colorado requires
Colorado water systems must maintain and publicly report lead service line inventories under state drinking water rules. Utilities are required to identify, inventory, and eventually replace lead service lines. However, completion timelines vary widely.
Next steps for residents
- Contact your water utility directly. Tell them your address and ask about your service line material. Use the utility name that corresponds to your area above, or call Lakewood city services for clarification on which provider serves you.
- Request a water test. Ask your utility if free or low-cost lead testing is available through your state or local health department.
- Check for lead paint and plumbing fixtures too. Lead service lines are one source; older homes may also have lead paint and lead-containing brass fittings.
- Visit the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for state-level guidance on lead and drinking water safety.
```json [ { "q": "Does Lakewood have lead in the water?", "a": "No known lead service lines have been reported in Lakewood's water system inventories. However, inventories may be incomplete, especially for older neighborhoods. The best way to know if your home has a lead service line is to contact your water utility or hire a plumber to inspect it." }, { "q": "Which water company serves my address in Lakewood?", "a": "Lakewood has 79 separate water utilities. Contact the City of Lakewood water department or call your local utility directly with your address to confirm which provider serves you." }, { "q": "How can I test my water for lead?", "a": "Ask your water utility about free or subsidized lead testing programs. You can also purchase a certified lab test kit online or through your county health department. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment can point you to resources." }, { "q": "What should I do if I think my house has a lead service line?", "a": "Contact a licensed plumber to inspect your service line, or ask your water utility if they provide inspection services. If lead is confirmed, flushing water before use and using a certified water filter can reduce exposure while you arrange replacement."