Lead Service Lines in Evansville Water Utility
Evansville Water Utility serves 182,444 people in Indiana. Like many older water systems, it may have lead service lines—the pipes that connect the public water main to individual homes.
What is a lead service line?
A lead service line (LSL) is the underground pipe that brings water from the street into your home. If your house was built before the 1980s, there's a meaningful chance your service line contains lead. Lead dissolves into water over time, especially if your water is corrosive or acidic. Even small amounts of lead exposure can be harmful, particularly for young children and pregnant people.
What does Evansville Water Utility know about lead service lines?
Evansville Water Utility has not yet completed a full inventory of which homes have lead service lines. This is a federal requirement under the Lead and Copper Rule, and many utilities across the country are still working through this process.
The utility has not reported how many lead service lines exist in the system, how many homes are still being investigated, or the status of a replacement plan.
What should you do right now?
Contact your water utility directly. Call Evansville Water Utility and ask:
- Does your address have a known lead service line?
- If they don't know yet, when will they finish their inventory?
- What temporary steps can you take to reduce lead in your drinking water?
In the meantime, you can:
- Use cold tap water for drinking and cooking. Lead dissolves more readily in hot water.
- Let the tap run for 30 seconds after periods of non-use (like overnight or after you've been away), then fill a container with cold water for drinking.
- Consider a point-of-use filter certified for lead removal (NSF/ANSI Standard 53). These are relatively affordable.
If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your doctor or local health department about testing your water.
Next steps for residents
- Call Evansville Water Utility and ask whether your home has a lead service line or is in their testing phase.
- Check your water bill or utility website for updates on lead inventory progress.
- Use cold water for drinking and cooking and flush the tap after non-use.
- Contact the Indiana Department of Environmental Management if you need additional guidance on water quality or lead testing.
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 I have a lead service line in Evansville?
Contact Evansville Water Utility directly—they are conducting an inventory to identify homes with lead service lines. You can also ask your utility to come inspect your service line, or hire a licensed plumber to check the pipe where it enters your home.
Is lead in Evansville tap water dangerous?
Lead can accumulate in your body over time and cause serious health effects, especially in children. The CDC recommends reducing lead exposure whenever possible. If you're concerned about your health, contact your doctor or pediatrician.
What do I do if my house has a lead service line?
The only permanent fix is replacement. Contact Evansville Water Utility to ask about replacement programs, costs, and timelines. In the meantime, use the steps above—cold water only for drinking and cooking, flush after non-use, and consider a certified lead-removal filter.
Can I get my water tested for lead?
Yes. Contact Evansville Water Utility or the Indiana Department of Environmental Management for approved testing labs and instructions. Some utilities offer free or low-cost testing.