CEDAR RAPIDS WATER DEPARTMENT Lead Service Line Inventory
Cedar Rapids Water Department serves approximately 142,364 people in Iowa. The utility draws water from surface water sources.
What is a lead service line?
A lead service line is the pipe that connects your home's water line to the public water main buried under the street. If your home was built before the 1980s, there's a meaningful chance your service line contains lead. Lead can leach into drinking water, especially if water is acidic or sits in pipes overnight.
Most homes built after 1986 have non-lead service lines, though copper and galvanized steel pipes can also carry lead in solder or fittings.
What does Cedar Rapids have on record?
As of now, Cedar Rapids Water Department has not completed a full lead service line inventory. The utility has not yet reported how many lines in its system are lead, galvanized, or non-lead material.
This doesn't mean your water is unsafe—it means the utility is still gathering this data. Federal law (the Lead and Copper Rule) requires all water systems to identify lead service lines by 2024, with ongoing updates through 2026.
What should you do?
Get your water tested. Contact Cedar Rapids Water Department and ask if they offer free or low-cost lead testing for your tap water. Results will tell you whether lead is present in your home's water right now—regardless of whether your service line is lead.
Testing is simple: a technician collects samples from your tap, usually over several days. Results typically come back within 1–2 weeks.
Ask about your service line. Call the utility directly and provide your address. They may already know your line's material from records, previous work, or ongoing inventory efforts. If they don't know, ask what the next steps are.
If you have young children, the CDC recommends being extra cautious. Lead exposure affects developing brains. A pediatrician can order a blood lead test if you're concerned.
Next steps for residents
- Contact Cedar Rapids Water Department at their main line or website and request information about your service line material and whether they offer free water testing.
- Request a water test to check for lead at your tap—this is the fastest way to know if lead is entering your home right now.
- Keep an eye on utility updates. As Cedar Rapids completes its inventory over the next year, the utility will publish results and any replacement programs.
- If lead is found, ask about corrosion control treatment and replacement options. Many utilities now offer grants or payment plans for homeowners.
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 home has a lead service line in Cedar Rapids?
Contact Cedar Rapids Water Department with your address—they may have records of your line's material. If they don't know yet, ask when their full inventory will be complete. You can also request a water test to check for lead at your tap right now.
Is Cedar Rapids water safe to drink?
Cedar Rapids Water Department treats water from surface sources, but lead is a concern only if it enters your home through service lines or fittings. A free or low-cost water test from the utility will tell you if lead is present in your tap water.
When will Cedar Rapids finish mapping all lead service lines?
Federal law requires completion by 2024–2026. Cedar Rapids has not yet reported their timeline. Contact the utility directly to ask for their inventory schedule.
What do I do if my water tests positive for lead?
First, use bottled water for drinking and cooking until you take steps to fix it. Talk to Cedar Rapids Water Department about whether they offer corrosion control treatment or lead service line replacement programs—many utilities now help cover costs.