URBANDALE WATER UTILITY Lead Service Line Inventory
About this water system
Urbandale Water Utility serves approximately 45,605 people in Iowa. The utility draws its water from surface sources (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Lead service lines: what you need to know
A lead service line is the pipe that carries water from the public water main to your home. If your home was built before the 1980s, there's a meaningful chance your service line contains lead—especially if you live in an older neighborhood.
The current status: Urbandale Water Utility has not yet publicly inventoried its lead service lines. This means the utility hasn't documented which homes have lead lines, galvanized lines (which can corrode and leach lead), or lead-free pipes.
This is not unusual. Many water systems across the country are still in the process of mapping their service lines. Federal rules now require all systems to complete lead service line inventories by October 2024, so you may see updates from Urbandale soon.
What this means for your home
Without a public inventory, you can't look up your address to confirm whether you have a lead service line. However, you can take steps now:
- Contact Urbandale Water Utility directly. Ask if they have records showing your service line material. Utilities sometimes have this data even before publishing a full inventory.
- Check your home's age and location. Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead lines. Utilities can sometimes cross-reference construction records.
- Get your water tested. A lead test is inexpensive (often $20–50) and gives you immediate information about lead levels in your tap water right now.
Lead in drinking water is primarily a health concern for babies, young children, and pregnant people. If this applies to your household, contact your pediatrician or the CDC for guidance on next steps.
Next steps for residents
- Contact Urbandale Water Utility to ask about your service line material and request an update on their lead inventory timeline.
- Test your tap water for lead through a certified lab or your local health department.
- Use a certified filter (NSF/ANSI 53) on your kitchen tap if you're concerned, while you wait for more information.
- Check back on this page periodically—Urbandale's inventory status may be updated as they complete their documentation.
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 your water utility and ask about your service line records. You can also have a plumber inspect the pipe where it enters your home. If it's dull gray and soft enough to scratch with a coin, it's likely lead.
Is lead in water dangerous?
Lead in drinking water is most concerning for babies, young children, and pregnant people. For health questions specific to your family, talk to your pediatrician or contact the CDC.
What should I do if I think I have a lead service line?
First, test your water to see current lead levels—that tells you if it's a real problem right now. Then contact Urbandale Water Utility to ask about replacement programs or assistance. You can also consult a licensed plumber about your options.
When will Urbandale Water Utility publish its lead service line inventory?
Federal law requires all water utilities to complete lead service line inventories by October 2024. Contact Urbandale directly to ask about their timeline and whether they have partial data available now.