Lead Service Lines in Yellowstone, WY
Yellowstone serves about 23,152 people across 7 water systems. Based on the most recent publicly available data, no lead service lines have been identified in any of these systems.
That's good news—but it comes with an important caveat. Most of these utilities serve seasonal or remote populations in and around Yellowstone National Park, and data on lead service lines in smaller systems is often incomplete. "No known lead" doesn't always mean "we've tested everything." It may mean testing hasn't been comprehensive, or records are unavailable.
What you should know
Lead service lines are pipes that carry water from the main water line in the street to your home. If your home was built before the 1980s, there's a higher chance your service line contains lead, even if your water utility hasn't flagged it yet.
The safest way to know your own risk is to contact your water utility and ask:
- Does my address have a lead service line on file?
- If they don't know, ask them to test the water at your tap.
In Yellowstone, the largest systems are:
- YNP-OLD FAITHFUL (serves 7,675 people)
- YNP - LAKE VILLAGE (serves 5,925 people)
- YNP-CANYON VILLAGE (serves 4,300 people)
Should you be concerned?
Even without confirmed lead service lines, lead can still enter water through brass fittings, solder, or the service line itself. If you have young children or are pregnant, the CDC recommends testing your tap water. A simple water test costs $20–50 and takes a few days.
Next steps for residents
- Contact your water utility and ask specifically about lead service lines at your address.
- Request a free or low-cost water test if your utility offers one.
- If you're concerned, have your water tested at an EPA-certified lab (search "drinking water testing [your county]").
- Visit the CDC's lead in water guide for information on reducing lead exposure.