Lead Service Line Inventory: Purdue University Water Works

Purdue University Water Works serves approximately 50,000 people in Indiana. If you're connected to this system and wondering about lead in your water, here's what you need to know.

What is a lead service line?

A lead service line is the pipe that carries water from the public main into your home. If installed before the 1980s, there's a reasonable chance it contains lead. Lead can leach into drinking water, especially in new homes or after plumbing work. Even small amounts matter—there is no safe level of lead exposure for children.

Purdue University Water Works and lead service lines

The utility has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines in its system. This means the exact number of lead pipes serving customers is unknown. The utility serves a university population and surrounding area drawing from groundwater sources.

If you're a resident or employee connected to this system, you won't find a published list of affected addresses yet. The utility is working to identify and catalog these pipes—a process required by federal law under the Lead and Copper Rule.

What you can do now

Find out if your service line contains lead:

• Contact Purdue University Water Works directly and ask about your address. They may have partial records even if the full inventory isn't public yet.
• If your home was built before 1980, assume the service line could be lead unless confirmed otherwise.
• You can have an independent test done by a certified lab if you want confirmation before the utility publishes results.

Test your water:

• If you're concerned about lead in your tap water right now, get a water test. Your state health department or local health district can recommend certified labs.
• Run water for 30 seconds before drinking to flush the line. Use cold water for drinking and cooking.

Health concerns:

• If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your pediatrician or doctor about lead exposure. Contact the CDC for guidance at cdc.gov/nceh/lead.

Next steps for residents

• Call Purdue University Water Works and ask if your address is on a lead service line or scheduled for testing.
• If you have a pre-1980 home, consider getting your water tested for lead by a certified lab.
• Check your state's drinking water program website (Indiana Department of Environmental Management) for resources and lab referrals.
• If a replacement program begins, apply early—retrofitting takes time and funding varies.

Does Purdue University Water Works have lead service lines?

The utility has not yet completed a full inventory, so the exact number is unknown. If your home was built before 1980, your service line may contain lead. Contact the utility directly to ask about your address.

Can I get my water tested for lead near me?

Yes. Contact the Indiana Department of Environmental Management or your local health department for a list of certified labs. Testing typically costs $20–50.

Is lead in water dangerous?

Lead can harm children's brain development and cause other health problems. There is no safe level. Contact your pediatrician or the CDC (cdc.gov/nceh/lead) for specific health concerns.

What should I do if I think my service line is lead?

Ask your water utility for records of your service line material. In the meantime, flush cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, and use cold water for cooking and baby formula. Ask your doctor about testing if you have young children.