INDIANA AMERICAN WATER - NORTHWEST
Lead Service Line Inventory
INDIANA AMERICAN WATER - NORTHWEST serves approximately 210,510 people across northwest Indiana. Like all water utilities in the US, this system is required to identify and report lead service lines—the pipes that connect the water main to individual homes.
What we know right now
As of our last update, INDIANA AMERICAN WATER - NORTHWEST has not yet completed or made public a comprehensive lead service line inventory. This does not mean there are no lead lines in the system; it means the utility is still in the process of identifying them.
The EPA requires all water systems to locate and catalog lead service lines by specific deadlines. The timeline depends on the system's size and risk profile. Smaller systems like this one generally have until October 2028 to complete their inventory, though some utilities move faster.
What this means for your home
If you live in this service area, you may have a lead service line, a galvanized steel line (which can contain lead), or a non-lead line. Without a completed public inventory, the only way to know for certain is to:
- Contact the utility directly and ask about your specific address
- Have a licensed plumber inspect the line on your property
- Request a free or low-cost water test through your local health department
Lead exposure is a real concern—especially for young children and pregnant people—but it's also manageable. If you do have a lead line, flushing the tap before drinking or cooking, using cold water for drinking and cooking, and installing a certified filter are all proven ways to reduce exposure.
Getting answers from your utility
INDIANA AMERICAN WATER - NORTHWEST is required to respond to public records requests about lead lines. Call their customer service line or visit their website to:
- Ask if your address has been tested or identified
- Request a copy of their lead inventory plan
- Find out what funding or assistance programs they offer for line replacement
Many utilities also hold public meetings to discuss their lead reduction plans—these are good opportunities to ask questions and learn timelines.
Next steps for residents
- Call your water utility and ask whether your service line has been identified or tested
- Request a water test through your local health department if you want to know your home's current lead levels
- Flush your tap before drinking or cooking (let cold water run for 30 seconds to 2 minutes each morning)
- Check the EPA's citizen guide on reducing lead in drinking water for more practical steps
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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
Does my water contain lead?
Your water may or may not contain lead depending on your specific service line and home plumbing. INDIANA AMERICAN WATER - NORTHWEST has not yet published a complete inventory. Contact the utility with your address to ask, or request a free water test from your local health department.
How do I know if I have a lead service line?
The only certain way is to have the utility check your address or hire a licensed plumber to inspect the line. Lead pipes are soft and dull gray; they can also be hidden underground. Call your water utility first—they may have records.
Is lead in my drinking water dangerous?
Lead exposure, especially for children under 6 and pregnant people, can affect development and health. Talk to your pediatrician or doctor about your specific situation. The CDC has detailed guidance on lead and children's health.
What can I do right now to reduce lead exposure?
Flush your tap by running cold water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking or cooking, use only cold water for drinking and cooking, and consider installing a certified lead filter. These steps work while you wait for a service line replacement.