Lead Service Lines in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs Utilities serves about 464,000 people in El Paso County. Like water systems across the US, it may have lead service lines—the pipes connecting the public water main to homes built before the 1980s.
What we know about Colorado Springs' inventory
Colorado Springs Utilities has not yet published a public lead service line inventory. The utility has not disclosed how many service lines it has inventoried, how many contain lead, or when a full inventory will be complete.
This doesn't mean there's no lead risk. It means the data isn't available yet. Federal law now requires all utilities to complete a full lead service line inventory by October 2024, so expect updates in the coming months.
Why this matters
Lead in drinking water comes primarily from service lines and home plumbing. Even low levels of lead exposure can affect child development. Utilities are required to identify and eventually replace lead service lines, but you won't know if yours is at risk without an inventory.
What you can do now
Contact your utility directly. Call Colorado Springs Utilities or check their website to ask:
- Do you have a lead service line inventory available?
- If not, when will it be complete?
- Does your home's address appear in the inventory yet?
- What are your replacement timelines and any available rebates?
Check your home's age and pipes. Homes built before 1980 are more likely to have lead service lines. If you can access your water meter or basement, you can sometimes identify the service line material yourself—lead is soft and gray, copper is reddish, and galvanized steel is silver with a hexagonal nut. Take a photo to show the utility if you're unsure.
Have your water tested. A simple test costs $20–50 and shows if lead is present in your tap water. Contact your utility or a local lab for options. Results take 1–2 weeks.
Reduce exposure while waiting. Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking if water has sat in pipes overnight. Use cold water for cooking and baby formula (boiling does not remove lead).
Next steps for residents
- Contact Colorado Springs Utilities to ask about inventory status and your service line
- Request a water lead test through the utility or a certified lab
- If you have young children or are pregnant, discuss water safety with your pediatrician or OB-GYN
- Save any documents about your home's plumbing when buying or selling property
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Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Colorado Springs have lead pipes?
Possibly. Utilities that served areas before the 1980s often have lead service lines in the ground. Colorado Springs Utilities has not yet released a public inventory, but federal law requires them to complete one by October 2024.
How do I know if my home has a lead service line?
Contact Colorado Springs Utilities with your address; they should have records. You can also look at the pipe where it enters your home (soft gray = lead, reddish = copper, silver with hexagon nut = galvanized steel). A water test will tell you if lead is actually in your tap water.
Is Colorado Springs tap water safe to drink?
The utility must treat water to reduce lead, but safety depends on your service line and home plumbing. A lead test of your tap water is the best way to know. Contact the utility for testing options.
What should I do if I'm worried about lead and my kids?
Have your water tested, use cold tap water for drinking and cooking, and talk to your pediatrician. The CDC has guidance on reducing lead exposure at home. If you rent, contact your landlord to request testing and ask about service line replacement.