Lead Service Lines in Twin Falls

What you need to know

Twin Falls City Water serves about 56,000 people in south-central Idaho. Like many US water systems, it may have lead service lines—the pipes that connect the main water line under the street to homes built before the 1980s.

Lead service lines are the single largest source of lead in drinking water. Water sitting in these pipes overnight or over a few hours can pick up lead, especially in homes with older plumbing or low water pressure.

What Twin Falls has inventoried

The Twin Falls City water system has not yet completed a public inventory of lead service lines in its service area. This means the utility hasn't yet published a list showing which pipes are lead, which are galvanized (steel coated with zinc, sometimes containing lead), or which are known to be lead-free.

An inventory is the first step utilities must take under federal law. It helps homeowners understand their risk and guides replacement priorities.

What this means for your home

Without a published inventory, you won't know from this data whether your home has a lead service line. Your home's age and location matter:

• Homes built before 1950 are at higher risk of having lead service lines.
• Homes built 1950–1980 may have them, but less commonly.
• Homes built after 1986 are unlikely to have lead service lines, though older plumbing inside the house could still be a source.

If you're concerned, contact Twin Falls City water directly. They can tell you whether your property has a lead service line or help you arrange a test.

Testing your water

You can also test your tap water for lead. A simple test costs $20–50 and tells you whether lead is present in your drinking water right now—regardless of what the service line is made of. The EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791) can direct you to certified labs in Idaho.

If you have young children or are pregnant, testing is especially worth considering. The CDC recommends discussing results with your pediatrician.

Next steps for residents

• Contact Twin Falls City water at their main line to ask: Do I have a lead service line? If they don't know, ask when the inventory will be available.
• Test your tap water for lead if you want to know your current exposure, especially if your home was built before 1980.
• Use a water filter certified to remove lead (look for NSF/ANSI 53 certification) if testing shows lead or while you investigate.
• Check the EPA's website for more information on lead in drinking water and how to reduce exposure.

---

Does Twin Falls have lead service lines?

Twin Falls City water may have lead service lines, but the utility has not yet published a complete inventory. Contact the water system directly to find out whether your specific property has a lead service line.

How do I know if my house has a lead service line?

The most reliable way is to contact Twin Falls City water and ask them to check your address. You can also look at the water line coming into your home (usually in the basement or crawl space)—lead pipes are soft and dull gray, and a magnet won't stick to them.

Is lead in Twin Falls water dangerous?

Lead in drinking water is a real health concern, especially for children and pregnant people. The best way to know your risk is to test your tap water. Contact the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791) for labs near you.

What should I do if I'm worried about lead in my water?

Start by testing your tap water and contacting Twin Falls City water about your service line. In the meantime, you can use a water filter certified for lead removal (NSF/ANSI 53), let cold water run for 30 seconds before drinking, and avoid hot tap water for drinking or cooking.