KANSAS CITY BOARD OF PUBLIC UTILITIES
About lead service lines in your area
KANSAS CITY BOARD OF PUBLIC UTILITIES serves about 153,000 people in Kansas. Your water comes from surface sources (rivers and lakes), which are treated before reaching your home.
Lead enters drinking water primarily through lead service lines—pipes that connect the water main in the street to your home. These lines were commonly installed before 1986, when federal regulations began phasing them out. Lead can also leach from brass fittings, solder, and other plumbing materials.
What you need to know about your water system
The utility has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines in its service area. This means there's currently no public list showing which neighborhoods or streets are most affected. Many water systems across the country are still in the early stages of mapping their lead lines—it's a multi-year effort.
Surface water sources (like the ones serving this utility) generally pose lower risk for lead contamination than groundwater systems, since treatment processes can remove some dissolved lead. However, any home with old plumbing or a lead service line is still at risk.
What to do if you're concerned
If your home was built before 1986, there's a reasonable chance your service line is lead or galvanized steel (which can corrode and release lead). The only way to know for certain is to have a licensed plumber inspect it, or contact your utility to ask if they have records.
You can also test your tap water for lead. A simple water test costs $20–50 and takes about a week for results. Contact your local health department or a certified lab for test kits.
Next steps for residents
- Contact KANSAS CITY BOARD OF PUBLIC UTILITIES directly and ask if they have maps or records showing whether your street has lead service lines.
- Request a water test through your health department if you have concerns, especially if children under 6 or pregnant people live in your home.
- Flush your tap water for 30 seconds each morning before drinking or cooking, and use cold water for drinking and cooking (hot water can leach more lead).
- Learn about replacement programs — many utilities offer cost-sharing or grants to help replace lead service lines. Ask your utility if such a program exists in Kansas City.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Kansas City have lead in the water?
Lead doesn't occur naturally in surface water, but it can enter the system through old pipes and plumbing. Kansas City Board of Public Utilities has not yet published a complete lead service line inventory, so your risk depends on your home's age and plumbing. Test your water to know for sure.
How do I know if I have a lead service line?
Homes built before 1986 are most likely to have lead lines. A plumber can inspect your line where it enters your home, or you can contact your utility to ask if they have records for your address.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Kansas City?
The utility treats surface water to remove contaminants, but old plumbing can introduce lead. If your home is older, flushing your tap for 30 seconds before drinking and using cold water for cooking reduces risk while you arrange testing or pipe replacement.
Can I get my lead service line replaced?
Contact Kansas City Board of Public Utilities to ask about replacement programs or cost-sharing. Many utilities now offer grants or low-interest loans to help homeowners replace lead lines.