NEWTON WATER SUPPLY Lead Service Line Inventory
About this water system
Newton Water Supply serves approximately 16,518 people in Iowa. The utility draws water from groundwater sources.
Lead service line inventory status
Newton Water Supply has not yet completed a public inventory of lead service lines (LSLs) in its distribution system. As of now, no data on the total number of lead, galvanized, or non-lead service lines has been made available.
Under the EPA's Lead and Copper Rule, all water utilities must identify and maintain records of lead service lines. This inventory helps utilities and residents understand where lead pipes may pose a risk and prioritize replacement efforts.
Why this matters
Lead service lines are the pipes that connect the water main in the street to your home. When water sits in these pipes, lead can leach into your drinking water. Children under 6 and pregnant people are at highest risk from lead exposure. Even low levels can affect development and learning.
If your home was built before 1986, there's a higher chance your service line contains lead, though homes built after that date can have them too.
What you can do now
Contact Newton Water Supply directly to ask:
- Whether your property has a lead service line
- What the utility's timeline is for completing the lead inventory
- Whether any replacement or treatment programs are available
You can also have your water tested. An affordable test kit can detect lead in your tap water. If you find lead, using a water filter certified for lead reduction (look for NSF 53 certification) can help reduce exposure while replacement is being arranged.
Next steps for residents
- Call your water utility and ask about your service line status and any available replacement programs
- Test your water if you're concerned; contact your local health department for low-cost options
- Use cold tap water for drinking and cooking and run the tap for 30 seconds before use if pipes have been idle
- Consult your pediatrician or the CDC if you have health concerns about lead exposure
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 I have a lead service line?
Contact Newton Water Supply with your address—they can tell you if your service line is documented as lead. You can also look where the pipe enters your home; lead is soft and gray and leaves a mark if scratched with a coin. A plumber can inspect for you.
Is lead in water dangerous?
Lead can harm brain development in young children and cause other health effects at any age. The CDC and EPA recommend taking action if lead is detected. Talk to your pediatrician about testing children who may have been exposed.
Can I remove lead from my tap water?
Yes. Use a water filter certified for lead removal (NSF Standard 53). These reduce lead but don't eliminate the need for service line replacement. Boiling water does not remove lead.
When will Newton Water Supply replace lead service lines?
Contact the utility directly to ask about their replacement timeline and whether funding or programs are available to help residents. Federal funding for replacements is being distributed, but timelines vary by system.