BURLINGTON MUNICIPAL WATERWORKS Lead Service Line Inventory
Burlington Municipal Waterworks serves 26,015 people in Iowa. Like all US water systems, this utility is required by federal law to maintain an inventory of lead service lines—the pipes that connect homes to the water main.
What you need to know
A lead service line is a water pipe made of lead that runs from the street to your home. Lead can leach into drinking water, especially if the water is corrosive or if the pipe is old or damaged. The EPA and CDC recommend testing your water if you think you have a lead service line, and taking steps to reduce exposure.
Burlington Municipal Waterworks draws water from surface sources. The utility has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines in its system, so the total number of lead, galvanized, and non-lead service lines serving the community is not publicly available.
How to find out if you have a lead service line
Start by contacting Burlington Municipal Waterworks directly. They can tell you whether your service line is lead, galvanized steel (which may contain lead), or another material. Your address and a utility bill will help them look it up.
You can also:
- Check old home records, permits, or blueprints if you have them
- Look at the pipe where it enters your home (lead is soft, gray, and dull; you can scratch it with a coin)
- Have your water tested by a certified lab
What to do if you have a lead service line
Test your water. A simple lead test costs $20–$30 and tells you whether lead is actually entering your home. Hard water, alkaline water, and certain water treatment methods reduce the risk.
Use a filter rated for lead (look for NSF/ANSI Standard 53) on drinking and cooking water while you decide on next steps.
Replace the line if testing shows elevated lead. Federal funds may be available to help; contact your utility about programs.
If you have young children or pregnant household members, talk to your pediatrician or OB-GYN. The CDC has detailed guidance on lead exposure at cdc.gov/nceh/lead.
Next steps for residents
- Call or visit Burlington Municipal Waterworks to ask whether your service line is lead
- Get your water tested if you're unsure or concerned
- Use a lead-certified filter on drinking water as a temporary safeguard
- Ask your utility about lead line replacement programs and funding
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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 water has lead in it?
The only way to know for sure is to test your water. Contact Burlington Municipal Waterworks or hire a certified lab to test for lead. A basic test costs $20–$30. You can also ask your utility whether your service line is made of lead.
Is lead in water dangerous for kids?
Lead exposure is a real health concern, especially for young children and pregnant people. Talk to your pediatrician or OB-GYN about your specific situation. The CDC website has detailed information on lead and health at cdc.gov/nceh/lead.
Can I remove lead from my tap water?
Yes. Use a water filter certified for lead (look for NSF/ANSI Standard 53) on drinking and cooking water. For a permanent fix, you can replace your lead service line; your utility may offer financial assistance.
What should I do if I find out I have a lead service line?
First, test your water to see if lead is actually entering your home. Then use a certified lead filter on drinking and cooking water. Contact Burlington Municipal Waterworks to ask about replacement programs and funding to help you replace the line.