THORNTON CITY OF Water System — Lead Service Line Inventory
What you need to know
THORNTON CITY OF serves about 226,465 people in Colorado. The utility draws its water from surface sources (rivers, reservoirs, or similar).
Current status: The water system has not yet completed a lead service line inventory—the count of pipes that may contain lead between the street and homes. This is a requirement under the EPA's Lead and Copper Rule, and many systems across the US are still in progress.
Why lead service lines matter
Lead service lines are the pipes that connect your home to the public water main. If your line contains lead, your water can pick up lead particles, especially if the water is corrosive or hasn't run for a few hours. Young children and pregnant people are at highest risk for harm from lead exposure.
Not all homes have lead service lines. Some have copper, plastic, or other materials. Without a completed inventory, THORNTON CITY OF and residents don't yet know how many lines in the system are lead or at risk.
What THORNTON CITY OF is doing
The utility is required by federal law to identify and map all lead service lines. Once complete, they must notify customers whose homes may have lead lines and develop a plan to replace them over time.
You can contact the utility directly to ask about the timeline for completing their inventory and what information they currently have about your specific address.
What you can do now
Even without waiting for the inventory to finish, you can take steps to protect your family:
- Get your water tested. A simple test costs $20–$50 and tells you if lead is present in your tap water right now. Contact your county health department or visit the EPA's testing guidance.
- Know your service line material. Check your home's inspection report or plumbing records. You can also contact THORNTON CITY OF and ask about your address.
- Use water safely. Let cold water run for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking if the water has sat in pipes for several hours. Do not boil water to remove lead.
If you're concerned about your family's health, talk to your pediatrician or contact the CDC's lead hotline.
Next steps for residents
- Contact THORNTON CITY OF to ask about lead testing availability and your home's service line status.
- Get a simple water test for lead—under $50 from most labs.
- Review your home's plumbing records or inspection report for pipe material information.
- If concerned about health effects, speak with your pediatrician or local health department.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does THORNTON CITY OF have lead in the water?
THORNTON CITY OF is still completing its lead service line inventory, so it doesn't yet have a full count of lead pipes in the system. The best way to know if lead is in your tap water is to get it tested. Contact the utility or your county health department to arrange a simple, affordable test.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Contact THORNTON CITY OF directly and ask about your address. You can also check your home's inspection report or plumbing records. A plumber can also inspect the line where it enters your home.
Is it safe to drink tap water from THORNTON CITY OF?
The utility treats water to meet federal safety standards. However, if your home has a lead service line, lead can still leach into water inside your pipes. A water test will tell you if lead is present in your tap water specifically.
When will THORNTON CITY OF replace lead service lines?
The utility is required to develop and execute a replacement plan, but timelines vary widely depending on funding and system size. Contact THORNTON CITY OF directly to ask about their replacement schedule and whether your address is included.