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Lead service lines in Lawrence, KS

8 water utilities serve Lawrence, with approximately 137,460 people served.

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

Lawrence serves roughly 137,000 people across 8 water systems. The largest is the City of Lawrence (about 95,000 people), followed by the University of Kansas (about 35,000 people), plus several smaller rural water districts.

What we know about lead in Lawrence water

Kansas requires water systems to test for lead and report their findings. Currently, the major water systems serving Lawrence—including the City of Lawrence and University of Kansas—have not reported known lead service lines in their inventories.

That said, "no reported lead" does not mean "zero lead." Older cities often have lead service lines that haven't been fully identified yet. If your home was built before 1986, there's a higher chance your connection uses lead or galvanized steel, which can also leach lead over time.

How to find out about your home

Your water utility has a map or list of known lead service lines. You can:

1. Contact your local water system to ask if lead service lines are present on your street or block. 2. Request a free or low-cost water test from your utility. Many systems offer this to residents. 3. Check your home's age and plumbing. If it was built before 1986 and you don't know the pipe material, assume caution is warranted.

The City of Lawrence and University of Kansas water systems can tell you more about their testing and replacement programs.

What you can do right now

Even if lead pipes are present, you can reduce exposure. Use cold water for drinking and cooking (hot water pulls more lead from pipes), and run the tap for 30 seconds before using water that's been sitting overnight. Consider a point-of-use filter certified for lead if you're concerned.

For questions about health effects—especially for young children—contact your pediatrician or the CDC.

Next steps for residents

  • Contact your water utility (City of Lawrence, University of Kansas, or your rural water district) and ask about lead service lines in your area.
  • Request a free or low-cost water test if available.
  • If you have young children, discuss water safety with your pediatrician.

Utilities serving Lawrence

Common questions

Does Lawrence Kansas have lead in the water?

The City of Lawrence and University of Kansas—which serve most of the area—have not reported known lead service lines. However, older homes may still have lead or galvanized pipes that haven't been tested. Contact your water utility to learn about your specific address.

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

Call your water utility and ask if lead lines are documented on your street. If your home was built before 1986, you can also ask a plumber to inspect your water line, or request a free water test from your utility.

Is it safe to drink tap water in Lawrence KS?

Lawrence water systems must test and report on lead levels. If you're concerned about lead in your specific home, use cold water for drinking and cooking, run the tap before use, and consider a certified lead filter. For health concerns, consult your doctor or pediatrician.

What should I do if I think I have a lead pipe?

Contact your water utility first to confirm whether lead pipes are present in your area. If they are, ask about replacement programs or assistance. In the meantime, use cold tap water for drinking and cooking, and let water run for 30 seconds if it's been sitting.