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Lead service lines in Manhattan, KS

9 water utilities serve Manhattan, with approximately 58,060 people served.

Last verified from EPA SDWIS + utility inventories: 2026-04-14
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Lead Service Lines in Manhattan, KS

Manhattan's water systems serve about 58,060 people across 9 different utilities. The largest is the City of Manhattan, which provides water to roughly 54,763 residents.

What we know about lead service lines here

The water systems serving Manhattan have not yet reported confirmed lead service lines to the EPA. However, "not reported" does not mean "none exist"—many utilities across the country are still in the process of surveying their pipes and completing their lead service line inventories. Kansas requires utilities to complete these inventories by October 2024.

Lead service lines are pipes made of lead that connect water mains (the large pipes under streets) to individual homes. They were commonly installed before the 1980s. If your home was built before 1980 and is served by one of Manhattan's utilities, there's a reasonable chance your connection includes lead.

Why this matters

Lead in drinking water occurs when water sits in lead pipes or corroded brass fittings and picks up lead particles. Infants and young children are most vulnerable to lead's effects on brain development. The CDC recommends that parents concerned about lead exposure talk to their child's doctor and consider testing drinking water.

Adults are also at risk, particularly for high blood pressure and kidney damage with long-term exposure.

What you can do now

Contact your water utility directly to ask whether lead service lines have been identified in your area and whether your specific address has a lead connection. The City of Manhattan's Public Works department can tell you about pipe material in your neighborhood and provide guidance on testing.

If lead service lines are later identified in your area, utilities must notify residents and create a replacement program. Federal funding through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is now available to help with removal costs.

In the meantime, you can reduce lead exposure by:

  • Running tap water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking (flushes standing water from pipes)
  • Using cold water for drinking and cooking (hot water dissolves lead faster)
  • Considering a certified lead-filtering pitcher or faucet filter if you want extra assurance

Next steps for residents

  • Contact the City of Manhattan's Public Works or your local utility to ask about lead service line inventory status and your home's connection
  • If you have young children, discuss water testing with your pediatrician
  • Check whether your home qualifies for any utility-run lead service line replacement programs
  • Use cold water for drinking and cooking as a precaution

Utilities serving Manhattan

Common questions

Does Manhattan Kansas have lead in the water?

Manhattan's water systems have not reported confirmed lead service lines to the EPA, but many utilities are still completing their inventories. Lead in drinking water comes from corroded pipes and fixtures, not from the water source itself. Contact your local utility to ask about lead service lines specifically in your area.

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

Homes built before 1980 are more likely to have lead connections. Call your water utility's customer service or public works department with your address—they can tell you what material your service line is made of. Some utilities are providing free testing.

Is it safe to drink tap water in Manhattan KS?

Manhattan's utilities treat and monitor water according to EPA standards. If you're concerned about lead, contact your utility about their latest water quality report and ask whether lead service lines are present in your neighborhood. Running water before drinking can reduce risk.

How much does it cost to replace a lead service line?

Replacement costs vary but typically range from $3,000 to $25,000 depending on your property. Federal funding is now available to help cover these costs. Contact your water utility about any replacement programs or assistance they offer.