Lead Service Lines in Lakewood, Colorado
Lakewood City of water system serves about 6,000 people in Colorado. If you're concerned about lead in your home's water, here's what you need to know.
What is a lead service line?
A lead service line is the underground pipe that carries water from the public water main to your home. These pipes were commonly installed before the 1980s because lead was cheap and easy to work with. Water sitting in lead pipes can pick up lead particles—especially in homes with older plumbing or when water sits unused for hours.
What does Lakewood's inventory show?
Lakewood City of has not yet completed a public inventory of lead service lines in their system. This means the utility hasn't published a count of how many lead, galvanized, or non-lead pipes serve the community. Without this information, you won't know from public records alone whether your home has a lead service line.
How do you find out about your home?
Contact Lakewood City of directly. Call their water department and ask:
- Whether your property has a lead service line
- Whether they have records of your service line material
- If they offer free testing for lead in tap water
Many utilities can tell you based on your address and their historical installation records. If they don't have records, you can hire a licensed plumber to dig up and inspect the service line at your property line, though this costs money.
What should you do right now?
If you have a young child or are pregnant, the risk of lead exposure is higher. The CDC recommends testing tap water for lead if you're unsure about your pipes. A simple test kit costs $10–20 and shows whether lead is present.
Even without a lead service line, lead can enter water through older fixtures (faucets, solder) inside your home. Running cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking is a quick, free step that flushes out stagnant water.
Next steps for residents
- Call Lakewood City of water department and ask about your service line material and whether they have a lead inventory available.
- Request free or low-cost water testing from your utility if they offer it.
- If you have young children, consider testing your water now and discuss results with your pediatrician.
- Check your fixtures for signs of age; older faucets may also contain lead.
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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
How do I know if my house in Lakewood has a lead service line?
Contact Lakewood City of water department with your address. They may have historical records of your service line material. If not, you can hire a plumber to inspect the pipe where it enters your home at the property line.
Is lead in water dangerous for kids?
Yes. Lead exposure can affect brain development in young children. If you're worried about your child's exposure, talk to your pediatrician and consider testing your water. The CDC has more information on lead and children's health.
Can I remove a lead service line myself?
No. Removing a service line is a job for licensed plumbers and may require utility coordination. Contact your water utility to ask about replacement programs or funding that might help cover costs.
Does boiling water remove lead?
No. Boiling does not remove lead; it can actually concentrate it. If lead is present, use a water filter certified for lead removal, or use bottled water for drinking and cooking until your pipes are replaced.