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Lead service lines in St Louis, MO

26 water utilities serve St Louis, with approximately 321,365 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 St Louis, MO

St. Louis has a population of about 321,000 served by 26 different water systems. The largest by far is St. Louis City PWS, which serves over 304,000 residents.

What we know about lead in St. Louis

The water systems serving St. Louis have not yet reported confirmed lead service line inventories to the EPA. This doesn't mean there are no lead lines in the ground—it means the data either hasn't been collected, hasn't been made public, or is still being verified.

Lead service lines were commonly installed before the 1980s, especially in older neighborhoods. If your home was built before 1990, there's a meaningful chance your connection to the water main includes lead.

How to find out about your home

Your water utility has the most reliable information about your specific service line. Contact St. Louis City PWS or your local water provider (if you're served by a smaller system) and ask:

  • Do you have a record of my service line material?
  • If the material is unknown, can I request a free inspection?
  • What is your lead service line replacement program?

Many utilities can tell you the material based on the age of your property and neighborhood records, even without a full inspection.

What you can do now

If you're concerned about lead exposure—especially if children or pregnant people live in your home—the CDC recommends:

  • Flush cold water from your tap for 30 seconds before using it for drinking or cooking (longer if the line hasn't been used for hours).
  • Use only cold water for cooking and drinking; hot water dissolves lead more easily.
  • Consider a certified lead-reducing water filter if your utility confirms or suspects lead lines.

A water test can tell you if lead is actually present in your tap water right now, which is separate from whether your service line is made of lead.

Next steps for residents

  • Contact your water utility (St. Louis City PWS: check the linked source for contact info) and ask about your service line material.
  • Request a free inspection if records are unclear.
  • Have your water tested if you want to know current lead levels, especially if children are in the home.
  • Flush and use cold water for drinking and cooking as a precaution while you gather information.

Utilities serving St Louis

Common questions

How do I know if I have a lead service line in St Louis?

Contact your water utility and provide your address. They may have records of your line's material based on your home's age and neighborhood. If records are unclear, ask about a free inspection. Lines installed before the 1980s are more likely to be lead.

Is lead in St Louis water a big problem?

St. Louis water systems haven't yet reported confirmed lead service line inventories. Lead exposure risk depends on whether your specific service line is made of lead and current water quality. A water test can tell you if lead is present in your tap water right now.

Can I get my service line replaced for free?

Many utilities offer partial or full replacement programs, but funding and eligibility vary. Contact your water utility to ask about available programs and any assistance for low-income households.

What should I do if my child was exposed to lead water?

Contact your pediatrician, who can order a blood test if they think it's needed. The CDC also has guidance on lead exposure. Start flushing your tap water and consider a certified filter while you investigate your service line.