Lead Service Lines in Minneapolis
Minneapolis serves about 425,300 people. Like many older U.S. cities, it may have lead service lines—the pipes that carry water from the main water line under the street to homes built before 1986.
What you need to know
Lead service lines were common in homes built before the 1980s. Water sitting in these pipes can pick up lead, especially if your water is acidic or has low mineral content. Even small amounts of lead in drinking water can be a concern, particularly for children and pregnant people.
The good news: lead in water is preventable. You can have your service line tested, use filters, flush your tap, or replace the line entirely.
Minneapolis's lead inventory status
Minneapolis has not yet reported details about how many lead service lines exist in the city, or how many homes have been inventoried. The utility is required under the EPA's Revised Lead and Copper Rule to create and maintain a public inventory, but that information isn't yet available here.
Federal funding (through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) is available to help replace lead service lines in many states. Check with Minneapolis directly about what programs may be available to you.
What to do now
Test your water. Contact Minneapolis to ask:
- Whether your address has a known lead service line
- If they offer free or discounted water testing
- What their timeline is for completing the public inventory
Take precautions while you investigate. The CDC recommends running cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking if your home may have a lead service line.
Consider a filter. NSF-certified filters can reduce lead. Look for one certified for lead removal (not all filters are).
Next steps for residents
- Contact Minneapolis directly to ask about your address and whether your service line is lead, galvanized, or unknown
- Request free water testing if available through the utility
- Ask about lead service line replacement programs and funding
- Have your home's water tested by a certified lab if you're concerned
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 my house has a lead service line?
Contact Minneapolis to check your address against their inventory records. You can also have a plumber inspect the visible portion of your service line, or request water testing through the utility. Homes built before 1980 are more likely to have lead lines.
Is lead in water dangerous?
Lead can harm development in children and pose other health risks at any age. For specific health concerns, talk to your pediatrician or contact the CDC. The good news is that exposure is preventable through testing, flushing, filters, and line replacement.
How much does it cost to replace a lead service line?
Full replacement typically costs $3,000–$10,000 or more, depending on your home. Federal and state funding programs may cover part or all of the cost—ask Minneapolis about what assistance is available in your area.
Can filters remove lead from my water?
Yes—but only if the filter is certified for lead removal by NSF International. Not all water filters remove lead, so check the label or ask Minneapolis which filters they recommend for your situation.