Lead Service Lines in West Des Moines Water Works
West Des Moines Water Works serves approximately 73,959 people in Iowa. Like all US water utilities, it is required by federal law to identify and disclose lead service lines—the pipes that connect the water main to individual homes.
What we know right now
West Des Moines Water Works has not yet completed a public inventory of lead service lines. The utility has not made information available about how many lead, galvanized, or unknown service lines exist in its system, or published a replacement timeline.
This does not mean your home is safe or unsafe. It means the inventory work is still underway or has not been shared publicly yet.
Why this matters
Lead service lines are the single largest source of lead in drinking water for most US homes. Lead exposure has no safe level, especially for children under 6 and pregnant people. Even low levels can affect brain development and learning.
If your home was built before the 1980s, there is a meaningful chance your service line contains lead or galvanized steel (which can corrode and leach lead over time).
What you can do now
Contact the utility directly. Call West Des Moines Water Works and ask:
- Does my address have a lead service line?
- What is the timeline for the lead service line inventory?
- Are there any known or suspected lead lines in my neighborhood?
Test your water. You can get your water tested for lead through your local health department or by ordering a kit online. This is the only way to know if lead is actually present in your home's drinking water right now.
Reduce exposure while you wait. Use cold tap water for drinking, cooking, and baby formula (hot water leaches more lead). If you haven't used your tap for 6+ hours, flush it for 30 seconds before use. Consider a certified lead-removing filter as a temporary measure.
Talk to your pediatrician. If you have young children, ask about lead testing. Your doctor can assess risk based on your home's age and location.
Next steps for residents
- Contact West Des Moines Water Works (PWS ID: IA7785007) to ask about your service line status
- Get your water tested for lead through your local health department
- If your home was built before 1980, use cold water for drinking and cooking
- Schedule a conversation with your child's doctor if you have kids under 6
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 West Des Moines Water Works directly with your address. You can also have your water tested for lead, which is the most reliable way to know if lead is present in your home right now, regardless of the pipe material.
Is lead in water dangerous for kids?
Yes. Lead has no safe level for children under 6. Even low exposure can affect brain development and learning. Talk to your pediatrician about testing and risk assessment for your child.
What should I do if I think I have a lead pipe?
First, get your water tested. Second, use cold tap water for drinking and cooking, and flush the tap for 30 seconds if it hasn't been used in 6+ hours. Third, contact West Des Moines Water Works about replacement options or timelines.
When will West Des Moines replace lead service lines?
That information is not yet publicly available. Contact the utility to ask about their replacement plan and timeline, and whether you may be eligible for federal or state funding assistance.