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Lead service lines in West Des Moines, IA

4 water utilities serve West Des Moines, with approximately 74,263 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 West Des Moines, IA

West Des Moines serves approximately 74,263 residents through 4 water systems. Currently, no known lead service lines have been identified in the city's public water system inventory data.

What we know right now

Lead service lines are pipes that connect your home to the water main buried under the street. They're a concern because water can pick up lead as it travels through the pipe—especially in older homes or when water chemistry changes.

West Des Moines Water Works, which serves the vast majority of residents (73,959 people), has not reported confirmed lead service lines in its current inventory. However, this doesn't mean lead pipes don't exist in your neighborhood. Inventory data is still being gathered across the country, and some utilities are still in early stages of testing and documentation.

How to find out about your specific home

Your water utility is required by federal law to maintain an inventory of service line materials. Even if no lead has been found yet, your utility should have records showing whether your home's connection is lead, copper, galvanized steel, or unknown.

Contact West Des Moines Water Works directly and ask:

  • What material is your service line?
  • When was your home built? (Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead connections.)
  • Has your service line been tested or replaced?

If your utility doesn't have records for your address, ask what steps they're taking to identify unknown materials.

If you're concerned about lead in your water

The best way to know if lead is actually in your water is through testing. You can buy an affordable home test kit, or ask your utility if they offer free testing. If tests show elevated lead, the EPA recommends flushing your tap before drinking and using cold water for cooking and baby formula.

For health concerns, especially if you have young children, contact your pediatrician or the CDC's lead hotline.

Next steps for residents

  • Contact West Des Moines Water Works to ask about your home's service line material.
  • Request a copy of the city's lead service line inventory if you want to see what data they've collected.
  • If your home was built before 1986, consider having your water tested for lead.
  • Ask your utility about replacement programs or financial assistance if a lead line is found.

Utilities serving West Des Moines

Common questions

Does West Des Moines have lead service lines?

No known lead service lines have been identified in West Des Moines' public water system inventory so far. However, inventory data is still being gathered, and older homes may still have lead connections that haven't been documented. Contact your water utility to ask about your specific home.

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

Call West Des Moines Water Works and provide your address. They should be able to tell you what material your service line is made of, or at least let you know if they're still investigating. Homes built before 1986 are at higher risk.

Is it safe to drink water from a lead service line?

It depends. Lead doesn't always leach into water, but it can—especially if water is corrosive or sits in the pipe for hours. The only way to know is to test your water. If you're worried, flush your tap for 30 seconds before drinking, and use cold water for cooking and baby formula.

What should I do if I find out my home has a lead service line?

Ask your water utility about replacement programs or financial assistance. You can also have your water tested and speak with your doctor, especially if you have young children. Replacing the line is the permanent solution.