AMES WATER TREATMENT PLANT Lead Service Line Inventory
Ames Water Treatment Plant serves about 55,000 people in Iowa. Like all US water systems, it is required to maintain an inventory of lead service lines—the pipes that connect homes to the main water supply.
What we know about Ames's lead service lines
The utility draws water from groundwater sources. However, the inventory data for this system is not yet available in our directory. This means either the utility has not completed a full inventory, has not made it public, or the data hasn't been reported to us yet.
This is not unusual. The 2021 infrastructure law required all water systems to accelerate lead service line inventories and replacements, but many systems are still in the early stages of compiling complete records.
What you should do now
Contact Ames Water Treatment Plant directly to ask about their lead service line inventory. They can tell you:
- Whether lead service lines are known to exist in your area
- Whether your specific address has a lead service line
- What replacement timeline, if any, is planned
- Whether you qualify for any funding to replace a line on your property
Getting this information straight from your utility is the fastest way to understand your home's risk and options.
If you're concerned about lead exposure
Lead in drinking water can pose health risks, especially for children and pregnant people. If you're worried:
- Have your water tested. Ames Water Treatment Plant may offer free or low-cost testing kits.
- Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking if your home may have a lead service line.
- Contact your pediatrician or the CDC's lead hotline for health guidance.
The presence of a lead service line does not automatically mean your water contains harmful lead levels—it depends on your home's plumbing and water chemistry. Testing is the only way to know.
Next steps for residents
- Contact Ames Water Treatment Plant (phone, website, or in person) and ask for their lead service line inventory or maps for your neighborhood.
- Request a water test if you think your home may be served by a lead line.
- Ask about replacement programs or financial help to upgrade a lead service line on your property.
- Visit the EPA's lead and copper rule page for more information on water system obligations and your rights.
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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 house has a lead service line in Ames?
Contact Ames Water Treatment Plant and give them your address. They should be able to check their records or send someone to inspect the line where it enters your home. The line is usually visible in the basement or crawlspace.
Is lead service line water safe to drink?
A lead service line doesn't always mean lead is in your water—it depends on your home's other pipes and your water's chemistry. The only way to know is to test. Ask your utility for a free or low-cost water test kit.
What should I do if I have a lead service line?
The long-term solution is replacement. Ask your utility about their replacement timeline, costs, and any grants or rebates available. In the meantime, run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking, and use cold water for baby formula.
Does Ames Water Treatment Plant have federal funding to replace lead lines?
Many utilities have received funding through the 2021 infrastructure law, but we don't have confirmation of Ames's specific allocation. Contact the utility directly to ask about their replacement funding and your eligibility.