UNIVERSITY WATER SYSTEM Lead Service Line Inventory
What you need to know about lead pipes in your water system
UNIVERSITY WATER SYSTEM serves about 26,684 people in Iowa. Like many water utilities across the US, this system is required to maintain an inventory of lead service lines—the pipes that connect the public water main to individual homes and buildings.
As of now, this utility has not yet completed or publicly shared their lead service line inventory. That means detailed information about where lead pipes exist in your area is not yet available to the public.
Why this matters
Lead service lines are a health concern because lead can dissolve into drinking water, especially in homes with older plumbing. Even small amounts of lead exposure can affect children's development. If you're worried about lead in your tap water, the first step is finding out whether your home has a lead service line.
What UNIVERSITY WATER SYSTEM should do next
Federal law now requires all water systems to complete a full lead service line inventory and make it public by October 2024 (with some extensions possible). When UNIVERSITY WATER SYSTEM publishes their inventory, you'll be able to:
- Check whether your address has a known lead service line
- Understand your utility's plan to replace lead pipes
- Learn about any testing programs or water treatment options
What you can do now
Even without a complete public inventory, you have options:
Contact your utility directly. Call or email UNIVERSITY WATER SYSTEM and ask about your specific address. They may have partial records or can provide guidance on testing.
Test your water. Some lead enters tap water only under certain conditions (low pH, high chlorine, long water sits). A simple lab test costs $20–50 and gives you real data for your home.
Check your home's age and type. Homes built before 1980 are more likely to have lead service lines. Older buildings made of brick or stone often have lead pipes. Newer plastic or copper is typically lead-free.
Talk to your pediatrician or local health department if you have young children and are concerned about lead exposure.
Next steps for residents
- Contact UNIVERSITY WATER SYSTEM (utilities usually have a phone number and email on their website) to ask about your address and when their full inventory will be public
- Request information about their lead service line replacement schedule and timeline
- Consider having your water tested for lead by a certified lab if your home was built before 1980
- Keep checking back here or your utility's website for updates on their inventory release
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does my water system have lead service lines?
UNIVERSITY WATER SYSTEM has not yet published a complete public inventory of lead service lines. Contact your utility directly at their main office number or email to ask about your specific address, or check back here as they complete their required inventory.
Is lead in water dangerous for kids?
Yes—lead can affect children's brain development at low levels. For health concerns and testing recommendations for your family, contact your pediatrician or your local health department, or visit the CDC website on lead and drinking water.
How much does it cost to replace a lead service line?
Costs vary widely, but replacement typically ranges from $1,500 to $5,000 per line depending on soil and street depth. Many utilities now offer cost-sharing or full funding through federal grants. Ask your utility about replacement assistance programs.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Lead service lines are most common in homes built before 1980. You can have your water tested ($20–50 at a certified lab), ask your utility directly, or hire a plumber to inspect the pipe where it enters your house—lead is soft and gray, not silvery like galvanized steel.