Lead Service Lines in Iowa City

Iowa City Water Department serves about 68,753 people. Here's what you need to know about lead service lines (LSLs) in your water system — and what to do if you're concerned.

What is a lead service line?

A lead service line is the pipe that connects the water main under the street to your home. If your house was built before 1986, there's a chance your service line contains lead. Lead can leach into drinking water, especially if the water is acidic or sits in the pipes for hours.

What does Iowa City's inventory show?

As of our last update, Iowa City Water Department has not yet completed a public lead service line inventory, or the results are not yet publicly available. This doesn't mean there are no lead lines in the system — it means the utility is still in the process of identifying which homes have them.

Many water systems are working to map their service lines as required by federal law. Iowa City's timeline and progress may be available directly from the utility.

Why does this matter?

Lead exposure, especially for children under 6, can affect brain development and learning. Even low levels matter over time. If you have a lead service line, the water itself isn't automatically dangerous — but the risk increases if water sits in the pipes, if the water is corrosive, or if there are disturbances to the line.

What should you do?

Get your water tested. The only way to know if lead is actually in your tap water is to test it. Your water utility can tell you where to get a free or low-cost test kit.

Find out if you have a lead service line. Contact Iowa City Water Department directly and ask:

• Does your records show what material my service line is made of?
• Do you have a map or inventory I can check?
• What's your timeline for completing a full lead service line inventory?

Take protective steps while you wait. If you're concerned about lead (and you should be if you have young children), use cold water for drinking and cooking, and flush the tap for 30 seconds before use if water has sat overnight.

Next steps for residents

• Contact Iowa City Water Department to ask about your specific address and service line material.
• Request a free water test kit from your utility or a certified lab.
• Check back here or with your utility for updates as the lead service line inventory is completed.
• If you have young children or pregnant household members, talk to your pediatrician or local health department about lead exposure.

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Does Iowa City have lead in the water?

Lead is found in some water systems, but not all. Iowa City is still mapping which homes have lead service lines. The best way to know if lead is in your tap water is to get it tested — contact the water department for a free or low-cost test kit.

How do I know if my house has a lead service line?

Call Iowa City Water Department and ask if their records show your service line material. You can also hire a plumber to inspect the line where it enters your home, though this costs money. The utility's inventory will eventually identify all lead lines in the system.

Is lead service line water safe to drink?

Lead leaches into water over time, especially if the water sits in pipes or the water is acidic. Flushing the tap and using cold water for drinking and cooking reduces exposure. Testing is the only way to know if your water actually has lead in it.

What should I do if I'm worried about lead and my kids?

Have your water tested right away. Talk to your pediatrician about your concerns — they can check your children's lead levels and advise you. Contact your local health department for guidance specific to your home.