DODGE CITY, CITY OF — Lead Service Line Inventory
What you need to know
The City of Dodge City water system serves about 27,104 people in Kansas. Like all US water utilities, Dodge City is required by federal law to identify and track lead service lines—the pipes that connect the water main to individual homes.
Current status: Dodge City has not yet completed a full lead service line inventory. The utility has not reported how many service lines have been inventoried, how many contain lead, or when the inventory will be finished.
Why this matters
Lead service lines are the most common source of lead in drinking water. Even small amounts of lead exposure can affect children's development, and there's no safe level for lead in water. If your home was built before 1986, there's a higher chance your service line contains lead.
The good news: lead in water can be managed. Installing a point-of-use water filter (certified for lead) or a whole-home filter can reduce lead levels. The best long-term solution is replacing the lead service line, though that's a larger project.
What Dodge City should do next
Under the federal Lead and Copper Rule, water utilities must complete their lead service line inventories and share results with customers. Dodge City is working toward this requirement, though the timeline for completion is not yet publicly available.
What you can do
Test your water. Contact Dodge City water utility to ask about free or low-cost lead testing kits. Even if the utility's inventory is incomplete, you can get your own water tested.
Ask about your service line. Call the water utility and ask whether your address has a lead service line on record. Utility staff may be able to tell you based on construction records, even if the formal inventory isn't finished.
Use a filter if needed. While waiting for the inventory or test results, a certified lead-reducing filter is a low-cost protective step, especially if you have young children or are pregnant.
Stay informed. Check back periodically for updates on the utility's inventory progress. Once complete, results will be available to the public.
Next steps for residents
- Contact Dodge City water utility to ask for lead testing and information about your service line.
- Have your water tested if you're concerned, particularly if your home was built before 1990.
- Install a certified filter (NSF Standard 53 or 58) as a temporary measure if lead testing shows elevated levels.
- Check the utility website periodically for updates on the lead service line inventory completion.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Dodge City water have lead in it?
Dodge City has not yet completed its lead service line inventory, so it's not publicly known how many lead lines serve the system. To find out if your home's water contains lead, contact the utility to request testing or buy a home test kit.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Call Dodge City water utility and ask for your address—they may have records showing whether your line is lead. You can also look at your meter or where the line enters your home; lead is soft and dull gray, while copper is reddish-brown.
Is lead in water dangerous?
Yes. Lead in water is especially harmful to children and pregnant people. For health concerns, talk to your doctor or contact the CDC at cdc.gov/nceh/lead. Installing a certified filter or replacing your service line are effective ways to reduce lead exposure.
When will Dodge City finish its lead service line inventory?
The utility has not announced a public completion date. Contact Dodge City water department directly to ask about their timeline and to request updates.