Lead Service Lines in Indiana
Indiana's 3,762 water systems serve approximately 5.7 million people. As of now, the state has not reported confirmed lead service lines (pipes that connect homes to the main water line) in its public inventory data.
However, this does not mean lead service lines don't exist in Indiana. Many water systems have not yet completed full inventories of their service lines—a requirement under the federal Lead and Copper Rule Revisions. Some utilities may still be in the process of identifying which pipes are made of lead, galvanized steel, or other materials.
Why this matters
Lead service lines are the most common source of lead in drinking water. When corrosive water passes through a lead pipe, small amounts of lead can leach into your tap water. Infants, young children, and pregnant women face the greatest health risks from lead exposure.
Even if your water system shows zero reported lead lines, your home could still have one. Older homes—especially those built before 1950—are more likely to have lead service lines.
What Indiana utilities are doing
Indiana's largest water systems include:
- Citizens Water - Indianapolis (serving 880,345 people)
- Fort Wayne - 3 Rivers Filtration Plant (serving 269,994 people)
- Indiana American Water - Northwest (serving 210,510 people)
- Evansville Water Utility (serving 182,444 people)
- South Bend Water Works (serving 115,000 people)
- Indiana American Water - South Indiana (serving 104,445 people)
These utilities are required to develop inventories and replace lead service lines over time, though timelines vary.
Indiana has not yet received federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for lead line replacement, though utilities may be eligible in future rounds.
How to find out if your home has a lead service line
Contact your local water utility directly. Ask them:
- Do you have a lead service line inventory?
- Do you know whether my home has a lead service line?
- If unknown, what's your timeline for determining this?
You can also hire a plumber to inspect your service line or have your water tested for lead.
Next steps for residents
- Contact your water utility and ask about your service line material. Provide your address.
- Get your water tested if you're concerned. Many health departments offer free or low-cost testing.
- If you have a lead service line, ask your utility about replacement programs or financial assistance.
- For health questions, speak with your pediatrician or contact your local health department.