Lead Service Lines in Mandan, ND
About Lead Service Lines
A lead service line is the pipe that carries water from the main water line under the street into your home. If your home was built before 1986, there's a chance your service line contains lead—a toxic metal that can leach into drinking water, especially in acidic water or after long periods of sitting in pipes.
The good news: lead service lines are fixable. Many communities are replacing them, and there are steps you can take right now to reduce exposure.
What We Know About Mandan
Mandan is served by five water systems that together provide water to 26,754 residents. The largest is the City of Mandan, which serves 21,769 people.
Current data: None of the water systems in Mandan have reported known lead service lines in their public inventories. However, this does not mean lead service lines don't exist. Utilities are still in the process of mapping and testing their infrastructure, especially in older neighborhoods. Unknown service line materials are common nationwide.
What You Should Do
If you live in Mandan:
1. Find out what your service line is made of. Contact your local water utility—they may have records or can send someone to inspect the connection at your home's foundation. The inspection is usually free.
2. Don't wait for a government replacement program (though Mandan may eventually start one). If you own your home and your service line is lead, you can replace it at your own expense—typically $3,000–$12,000 depending on property size and soil conditions. Some utilities offer rebates or low-interest loans.
3. Reduce exposure in the meantime. Use a certified lead filter (NSF/ANSI Standard 53), flush your pipes by running cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking, and avoid boiling water as a "fix" (boiling concentrates lead).
4. Have your water tested if you're concerned. Your utility can recommend a certified lab.
Next Steps for Residents
- Contact your water utility (see list below) and ask if your service line has been tested and what material it is.
- Request a free or low-cost water test through your utility or local health department.
- If lead is confirmed, ask about replacement assistance programs or financing options.
- For health questions about lead exposure, especially if you have young children, speak with your pediatrician or call the CDC's lead hotline: 1-800-CDC-INFO.
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Your Water Utilities
| Utility | Population Served | Contact | |---------|-------------------|---------| | City of Mandan | 21,769 | Contact city public works or water department | | Missouri West Water System | 4,303 | Contact system office | | Crown Butte Coop | 320 | Contact cooperative office | | Riverview Heights | 200 | Contact system office | | Country Club Co-op | 162 | Contact cooperative office |