ELKHART PUBLIC WORKS AND UTILITIES — Lead Service Line Inventory
About this water system
Elkhart Public Works and Utilities serves approximately 46,455 people in Elkhart, Indiana. The system draws water from groundwater sources.
Lead service lines: what we know
As of now, this utility has not yet completed or published a lead service line inventory. This means they have not formally surveyed and counted how many lead pipes connect homes to the water main in their service area.
Why this matters: Lead service lines are the most common source of lead in drinking water. If your home was built before 1986 (when lead pipes were phased out), or if you live in an older neighborhood, your home might have one. Only a formal inventory—or a test of your water—can tell for sure.
What Indiana requires
Indiana water utilities must identify and inventory lead service lines under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Utilities are required to develop a replacement plan and communicate findings to customers. Elkhart's current status suggests this work is in early stages.
What you can do now
Get your water tested: If you're concerned about lead, a simple water test can tell you whether lead is reaching your tap. Contact Elkhart Public Works and Utilities to ask about free or low-cost testing, or order a certified test kit online.
Check your home's age and pipes: Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead service lines. If you know your home's construction date or have seen your water meter, you may be able to spot the service line material (lead is soft and gray; copper is reddish; PVC is white or gray plastic).
Contact your utility: Ask Elkhart Public Works and Utilities directly about:
- Whether your street or neighborhood has known lead lines
- When they expect to complete their inventory
- What replacement or treatment programs are available
Next steps for residents
- Contact Elkhart Public Works and Utilities to request a water test or ask about lead in your area
- Request information about their lead service line inventory timeline and replacement plan
- If your water tests positive for lead, follow CDC guidance on reducing exposure (flush cold water in the morning, use cold water for drinking and cooking)
- Check your homeowner's insurance to understand coverage for service line replacement
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Elkhart have lead in the water?
Elkhart Public Works and Utilities has not yet published a lead service line inventory, so a complete count is not available. The best way to know if lead is reaching your home is to test your water through your utility or a certified lab.
How old are Elkhart's water pipes?
Lead service lines were commonly installed before 1986. If your home was built before that year, it may have a lead line. Contact the utility to learn about your specific street or address.
Will Elkhart replace lead pipes?
Elkhart is required by law to develop a lead service line replacement plan. Contact the utility directly to ask about their timeline, costs, and any assistance programs.
Is it safe to drink the water?
Elkhart supplies treated water, but lead from service lines can leach into it. If you're pregnant, have young children, or are otherwise concerned, test your water and consult your pediatrician or the CDC website.