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Lead service lines in Minneapolis, MN

55 water utilities serve Minneapolis, with approximately 438,469 people served.

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

Minneapolis is served by 55 water systems that collectively provide water to roughly 438,469 people. The city's largest utility is Minneapolis Water Works (serving 425,300 residents), followed by smaller systems like Saint Anthony Village (9,500 residents) and several institutional water providers.

What we know about lead in Minneapolis

Lead enters drinking water primarily through lead service lines—pipes that connect homes to the water main. These lines were commonly installed before 1986, when federal regulations began phasing them out.

Current data shows that specific counts of lead and galvanized service lines in Minneapolis are not yet publicly available in centralized inventories. This doesn't mean lead isn't present; it means utilities are still conducting surveys or have not yet reported findings to public directories.

How to find out about your home

Contact your water utility directly to ask:

  • Does your service line contain lead?
  • What year was your home connected to the water system?
  • Does your utility have a lead service line replacement program?

The City of Minneapolis maintains water quality information and can direct you to the right department. Saint Anthony Village and smaller systems also track this data—call them if you're in their service area.

What you can do now

Even without knowing your service line material, there are simple steps to reduce lead exposure:

  • Run cold water from your tap for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking if water has sat in pipes overnight.
  • Use a certified filter (NSF/ANSI Standard 53) if you want extra protection while awaiting service line information.
  • Have your water tested if you're concerned—many utilities offer free testing, and labs are inexpensive.

If you have young children or are pregnant, these precautions are especially important. For health concerns, consult your pediatrician or the CDC's guidance on lead and children.

Next steps for residents

  • Contact Minneapolis Water Works at your utility billing phone number or website to request your service line status.
  • Ask whether your utility participates in lead service line replacement funding (federal and state grants are expanding these programs).
  • Request a water test if your home was built before 1986 and you don't know your service line type.
  • Keep this information on file—you may need it when selling or for future reference.

Utilities serving Minneapolis

Common questions

Does Minneapolis have lead in the water?

Lead enters water through service lines, not from the treatment plant itself. Minneapolis utilities are testing and cataloging lead service lines, but complete public counts aren't yet available. Contact your utility for your specific home's status.

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

Call Minneapolis Water Works or your local utility with your address. They can tell you the material of your service line based on records. If unsure, a plumber can visually inspect the line where it enters your home.

Is it safe to drink tap water in Minneapolis?

Minneapolis Water Works treats water to meet federal safety standards. However, lead can enter between the treatment plant and your home through old pipes. Running water first and using a certified filter are simple steps to reduce risk.

What does a lead service line look like?

Lead is soft, gray, and dull. A magnet won't stick to it (unlike steel). The safest way to identify your line is to contact your utility—they have records—rather than trying to locate it yourself.