Lead Service Lines in Boulder, Colorado
About Boulder City's water system
Boulder City of serves about 166,000 people in Colorado. Like water systems across the country, Boulder has a legal responsibility to maintain an inventory of lead service lines—the pipes that carry water from the main water line under the street to individual homes.
What we know about lead pipes in Boulder
Right now, Boulder City of has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines in the system. This means the utility is still in the process of identifying which homes may have lead pipes.
This is not unusual. Many water systems across the US are still building their inventories. The EPA required all utilities to complete this work by 2024, but many are still working through their communities systematically.
What does this mean for your home?
If your home was built before 1986, there's a higher chance it has a lead service line. Homes built after that are less likely to have lead pipes, though it's not impossible.
The safest approach: contact Boulder City of directly and ask whether your specific address has been inventoried yet and what they've found. You can also get your water tested—a local lab can tell you if lead is present in your home's water.
If you do have a lead service line, the good news is that lead in water can be managed. Flushing your tap before using water for drinking or cooking removes stagnant water that may contain higher lead levels. Using a certified lead-removing filter is another option. Neither completely eliminates lead exposure, but both reduce it significantly.
For health concerns—especially if you have young children or are pregnant—talk to your doctor or pediatrician. The CDC provides science-based guidance on lead exposure.
Next steps for residents
- Contact Boulder City of and ask if your address has been inventoried for lead service lines and what they found.
- Get your water tested for lead if you want to know your home's current water quality. The utility can recommend local labs.
- Learn about interim steps like flushing and certified filters while you determine whether you have a lead pipe.
- Check back with the utility about their replacement timeline if your home is identified as having a lead service line.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Boulder Colorado have lead in the water?
Boulder City of is still completing its inventory of lead service lines. Lead in your tap water depends on your specific home's pipes and plumbing. The best way to find out is to contact the utility directly or test your water through a certified lab.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Contact Boulder City of and ask if your address has been inventoried. You can also have a plumber inspect your water line, or check if your home was built before 1986 (when lead pipes were more common). A water test will tell you if lead is in your tap water right now.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Boulder?
Boulder City of treats and tests its water regularly. Whether lead is in your specific home's water depends on your pipes. If you're concerned, get your water tested or use a certified lead-removing filter while you learn more about your home's plumbing.
What should I do if I have a lead service line?
First, get your water tested. In the short term, flush your tap for 30 seconds before drinking and use a certified lead-removing filter. Contact Boulder City of to ask about replacement programs or timelines. For health concerns, especially with children, talk to your doctor.