BEAR CREEK WSD Lead Service Line Inventory
What you need to know
BEAR CREEK WSD serves approximately 30,000 people in Colorado. The water system draws from surface water sources.
As of now, the utility has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines in its distribution system. This doesn't mean your home is safe or unsafe—it means the systematic count and mapping work is still underway.
Why this matters
A lead service line is the pipe that connects your home to the public water main. If present, it can leach lead into your drinking water, especially in new homes, after water sits in pipes, or if the water is corrosive.
The Safe Drinking Water Act requires all water systems to inventory these lines and publicly report their findings. BEAR CREEK WSD is in the process of meeting this requirement.
What BEAR CREEK WSD is doing
The utility is required by federal law to identify which homes are served by lead, galvanized (which may also contain lead), or non-lead pipes. Once the inventory is complete, the system must develop a plan to replace lead service lines—starting with the most vulnerable populations, such as homes with children under 6 and child care facilities.
You can contact the utility directly to ask about the timeline for completing the inventory and any interim steps you can take to protect your household.
What you can do right now
Test your water. BEAR CREEK WSD can provide guidance on free or low-cost testing. If your home was built before 1986 or you're unsure about your service line material, testing is especially important.
Reduce exposure while you wait. Use cold water for drinking, cooking, and baby formula. Let the tap run for 30 seconds to a few minutes after periods of non-use (overnight, at work). This flushes stagnant water that may have picked up lead.
Know your home's age and history. If your house was built before the 1970s, lead service lines are more likely. Your utility or local water department may have records.
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Next steps for residents
- Contact BEAR CREEK WSD to ask about your service line type and the inventory timeline
- Request a free or low-cost water test from your utility or local health department
- Flush your cold-water tap before drinking or cooking if water hasn't been used for several hours
- Visit the CDC website for guidance on reducing lead exposure in your home
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does BEAR CREEK WSD have lead in the water?
BEAR CREEK WSD is still inventorying its service lines, so a full picture isn't available yet. The only way to know if lead is present in your home's water is to test it. Contact the utility for free or low-cost testing options.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Homes built before the 1970s are more likely to have lead pipes. Your water utility may have records of your service line material, or they can test a sample from your home. You can also ask for a visual inspection of the pipe where it enters your house.
Is it safe to drink tap water from BEAR CREEK WSD right now?
BEAR CREEK WSD is required to monitor water quality and report any violations. If you're concerned about lead specifically, testing your home's water is the most reliable answer. In the meantime, flushing your cold-water tap and using cold water for drinking and cooking can reduce risk.
When will BEAR CREEK WSD finish its lead service line inventory?
The utility has not yet announced a completion date. Contact BEAR CREEK WSD directly to ask about their timeline and request updates on the inventory process.