GARDEN CITY, CITY OF — Lead Service Line Inventory
What this utility has reported
Garden City serves about 35,000 residents in Kansas. The water system draws from groundwater sources.
As of now, Garden City has not completed a lead service line inventory. This means the utility hasn't yet surveyed and documented which homes are connected to the water main via lead pipes—a requirement under the EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Revisions.
Why this matters
Lead service lines are the pipes that run from the water main (in the street) to your home. If your home was built before the 1980s, there's a higher chance your service line contains lead. When lead pipes corrode, lead can leach into drinking water.
A completed inventory helps homeowners know their risk and gives utilities data to plan replacements. Without one, you won't know your home's status from the utility's records alone.
What you can do now
Contact the utility directly. Ask:
- "Do you have information about my service line material?"
- "When do you expect to complete the lead service line inventory?"
- "Are there any lead replacement programs or funding available?"
Garden City's water department can often tell you the service line material based on older installation records, even if a formal inventory isn't done.
Get your water tested. You can request a free or low-cost lead test through your state health department or buy a certified test kit. A test shows whether lead is actually in your water—the most direct answer.
Check your home's age and records. Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead service lines. If you have property deeds, permits, or previous inspection reports, they sometimes mention service line material.
If lead is found
If testing shows lead in your water, the CDC recommends using cold water for drinking and cooking (hot water can increase lead leaching), flushing the line before use, and considering a point-of-use filter certified for lead removal.
For questions about health effects, especially for children under 6 or pregnant women, contact your pediatrician or the CDC's lead information line.
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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 Garden City have lead in the water?
A lead service line inventory hasn't been completed yet, so the utility doesn't have a full picture. Testing your water is the most reliable way to know if lead is present in your home's supply.
How do I know if my service line is lead?
Contact Garden City's water department with your address—they may have records of your service line material. You can also hire a plumber to inspect the line where it enters your home, or get your water tested.
When will Garden City finish its lead inventory?
The utility hasn't announced a completion date. Call them to ask for their timeline and whether they're applying for federal funding to accelerate the work.
What should I do if I'm worried about lead?
Start with a water test to see if lead is actually present. If you have young children or are pregnant, consult your pediatrician or doctor about next steps.