LeadPipeLookup

State overview

Lead service lines in Colorado

Aggregated lead pipe inventory data for all 2,241 public water systems in Colorado, serving approximately 7,494,270 residents.

Last verified from EPA SDWIS: 2026-04-14
Water systems
2,241
Population served
7,494,270
Known lead lines
0
Unknown material
0

Lead Service Lines in Colorado

Colorado's water systems serve nearly 7.5 million people across 2,241 utilities, from large cities like Denver to small rural systems. Lead service lines—the pipes that connect your home to the water main—are a potential source of lead in drinking water, especially in older homes built before the 1980s when these pipes were still commonly installed.

What we know about lead in Colorado

Currently, there is no reported data on confirmed lead service lines in Colorado's public water systems. This doesn't mean lead lines don't exist here—it means utilities have not yet completed the testing and mapping required by the EPA. Federal law now requires all water systems to identify and report on lead service lines by October 2024.

The largest water systems in Colorado, including Denver Water Board (serving 1.29 million people), Aurora City of (serving 533,407 people), and Colorado Springs Utilities (serving 464,111 people), have not yet published counts of confirmed or suspected lead lines.

Why this matters

Lead can leach from service lines into your tap water, especially if your water is corrosive or if the line is old and deteriorating. Exposure is a particular concern for infants, young children, and pregnant people. Even low levels can affect child development over time.

The good news: lead is removable from water, and most homes have simple, affordable ways to reduce exposure.

What Colorado utilities are doing

Water systems across the state are now required to:

  • Test water in homes with lead service lines or fixtures
  • Create and maintain an inventory of known and suspected lead lines
  • Provide that inventory to the public
  • Develop plans to replace lead lines over time

Federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding is available to help, though Colorado has not yet reported how much has been allocated to lead line replacement.

What you can do

If you don't know your line material: Contact your local water utility and ask directly. They may have records, or they can send a technician to inspect the connection at your property.

If you have a lead service line or suspect you do: Use a point-of-use water filter certified to reduce lead (look for NSF/ANSI Standard 53), run water for 30 seconds before drinking in the morning, and use cold water for cooking and drinking.

For health concerns: Talk to your pediatrician or contact the CDC for guidance on testing children and reducing exposure.

Next steps for residents

  • Contact your water utility and ask about their lead service line inventory and any replacement programs they offer.
  • If you rent, ask your landlord or property manager about the material of the service line.
  • Use a certified lead-reduction filter on your drinking water tap if you're concerned (they cost $30–$100).
  • Visit the EPA's lead and copper rule page for technical details about testing and treatment.

Largest public water systems in Colorado

UtilityPWSIDPopulationKnown leadUnknown
IGNACIO-SOUTHERN UTE RURAL WATER SYSTEM080890001———
LAKE CAPOTE RECREATION AREA080890002———
TOWAOC WATER SYSTEM080890010———
DENVER WATER BOARDCO01160011,287,000——
AURORA CITY OFCO0103005533,407——
COLORADO SPRINGS UTILITIESCO0121150464,111——
THORNTON CITY OFCO0101150226,465——
WESTMINSTER CITY OFCO0101170202,078——
FT COLLINS CITY OFCO0135291179,901——
ARVADA CITY OFCO0130001171,610——
BOULDER CITY OFCO0107152166,080——
GREELEY CITY OFCO0162321132,310——
PUEBLO BOARD OF WWCO0151500114,070——
CASTLE ROCK TOWN OFCO0118010106,822——
BROOMFIELD CITY AND COUNTY OFCO0107155106,153——
HIGHLANDS RANCH WSDCO0118015103,444——
LONGMONT CITY OFCO0107485102,866——
LOVELAND CITY OFCO013548595,471——
UTE WCDCO013979192,580——
CONSOLIDATED MUTUAL MAPLE GROVECO013002081,400——
PARKER WSDCO011804075,949——
SOUTH ADAMS COUNTY WSDCO010114075,559——
EAST CHERRY CREEK VALLEY WSDCO010303566,130——
FT COLLINS LOVELAND WDCO013529263,532——
ENGLEWOOD CITY OFCO010304557,332——

Cities in Colorado

More on lead pipes in Colorado

Frequently asked about lead pipes in Colorado

Does my tap water in Colorado have lead?

Not necessarily. Lead in tap water usually comes from old lead service lines or lead solder in fixtures, not from the source water itself. If your home was built before 1986 and has original plumbing, there's a higher risk. Contact your water utility to ask if they've identified your service line as lead.

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

Call your water utility and ask them directly—they often have records of what's underground. If they don't know, they may send someone to inspect where the line enters your home, or you can hire a plumber to check. The EPA's website has photos and identification tips too.

Can a water filter remove lead from my tap?

Yes, but only if it's certified for lead reduction. Look for a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53. Pitcher filters and most basic carbon filters do not remove lead effectively. A certified under-sink or faucet-mounted filter typically costs $30–$100.

Is it safe to give my kids tap water in Colorado?

In most of Colorado, tap water is safe and regularly tested. However, if you have a lead service line or old plumbing, lead exposure is a real concern for young children. Talk to your pediatrician about testing if you're worried, and consider using a certified filter while you investigate your home's plumbing.