Lead Service Lines in Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City PWS serves approximately 513,800 people across Missouri. Like most US water systems, it relies on a combination of water sources to deliver drinking water to homes and businesses.
What you need to know about lead service lines
A lead service line is the pipe that connects the water main (the large pipe under the street) to your home. If your home was built before the 1980s, there's a meaningful chance your service line contains lead, even if other parts of your plumbing don't.
Lead can leach into water, especially if your water is acidic or if pipes are corroded. The EPA and CDC recommend testing your water and, for homes with young children or pregnant women, considering replacement.
Where Kansas City PWS stands
As of now, Kansas City PWS has not publicly reported a complete inventory of lead service lines in its system. This doesn't mean the utility is ignoring the issue—many large systems are still in the early phases of mapping their lines—but it does mean you'll need to take the next step yourself.
What to do right now
Test your water. Kansas City PWS can provide free or low-cost testing kits. Call the utility directly to ask about lead testing for your specific address.
Ask your utility about your service line. When you contact Kansas City PWS, ask:
- Does your home have a lead service line?
- Do they have records for your address?
- What's their timeline for completing a full inventory?
Know your home's age. Homes built before 1980 are more likely to have lead lines. Homes from the 1980s onward may have them too, though less commonly.
If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your pediatrician or OB-GYN about testing. The CDC has detailed guidance on lead exposure and children's health.
Next steps for residents
- Contact Kansas City PWS at their main line or water quality department to request a free lead test and ask if your address is on record for service line material.
- Document your home's age and construction details—this helps the utility track you down if records are incomplete.
- Check the EPA's guidance on reducing lead exposure while you wait for testing or replacement.
- Consider a point-of-use filter certified for lead removal (NSF/ANSI 53) as a temporary measure 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 I have a lead service line?
The only reliable way is to contact Kansas City PWS and ask about your specific address, or have a licensed plumber inspect it. Older homes are at higher risk, but age alone doesn't guarantee it. The utility may have records even if they haven't published a full inventory yet.
Is lead in my water dangerous?
Lead exposure, especially for young children and pregnant women, can affect development and health. Talk to your pediatrician or OB-GYN about your risk. The CDC has detailed health information on their website.
What can I do while I wait for my service line to be replaced?
Use a water filter certified for lead removal (look for NSF/ANSI 53 certification), let cold water run for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking, and avoid using hot tap water for drinking or infant formula. These steps reduce—but don't eliminate—lead exposure.
Is Kansas City PWS replacing lead service lines?
The utility has not yet published a public replacement plan. Contact them directly to ask about their timeline and whether your home qualifies for replacement programs or assistance.