Lead Service Lines in Pocatello
About this water system
The City of Pocatello serves about 58,231 people in Idaho. The city draws its water from groundwater sources.
What we know about lead service lines here
The city has not yet completed a public inventory of lead service lines in its distribution system. This means there is no official count yet of how many homes may have lead pipes connecting them to the water main.
Under federal law, all US water utilities must complete a lead service line inventory by October 2024. If your city has not published one yet, contact them directly to ask about their progress and timeline.
Why this matters
Lead service lines are the most common source of lead in drinking water. Water can pick up lead as it travels through these old pipes, especially if the water is corrosive or if pipes are disturbed during repairs.
Even low levels of lead in drinking water can be a concern for young children and pregnant people. If you're worried about lead exposure, talk to your pediatrician or call the CDC hotline at 1-800-CDC-INFO.
What you can do right now
Contact your utility. Call the City of Pocatello water department and ask:
- Do you have a lead service line?
- What is the city's lead service line inventory timeline?
- Do you have a water treatment process to reduce lead?
- Can they provide a free or low-cost water test?
Test your water. A simple test can tell you if lead is present in your home's tap water. Some utilities offer free testing; others may charge a small fee.
Use a filter if concerned. If testing shows lead or while you wait for answers, a NSF-certified filter designed for lead removal can reduce exposure.
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Next steps for residents
- Call the City of Pocatello water utility and ask about their lead service line inventory status and any replacement programs
- Request a free water test or contact a certified lab for testing
- If lead is detected, use a filter certified for lead removal until pipes are replaced
- For health concerns, consult your pediatrician or the CDC
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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?
Your water utility may have records on file—call and ask. A plumber can inspect your pipes, or you can look where the water line enters your home. Lead pipes are soft, dull gray, and leave a mark if scratched with a coin. Some homes have galvanized steel pipes that can also leach lead.
Is lead in Pocatello's water dangerous?
Lead in drinking water is a health concern, especially for children under 6 and pregnant people. The only way to know if your home's tap water has lead is to test it. Contact your pediatrician or the CDC if you have health concerns.
What should I do if I think I have a lead service line?
Test your water first—it's the only way to know if lead is actually in your tap water. Then contact the City of Pocatello water department about their lead line replacement program or options to reduce exposure, like corrosion control treatment or filters.
Can boiling water remove lead?
No. Boiling does not remove lead and may actually concentrate it. A NSF-certified filter designed for lead reduction is the best short-term option if testing shows lead in your tap water.