Lead Service Lines in Billings, Montana
What you need to know
The City of Billings serves about 114,000 people and draws water from surface sources. Like many communities, Billings may have lead service lines—the pipes that connect the public water main to individual homes.
A lead service line is the most common source of lead in drinking water. Even at levels that don't show immediate symptoms, lead exposure is a health concern, especially for children and pregnant people. The good news: if your home has a lead service line, steps exist to reduce your risk.
Billings's lead service line inventory status
The City of Billings has not yet completed a public inventory of lead service lines in the system. This means the city hasn't published a searchable list or map showing which addresses have known lead lines, galvanized steel lines, or confirmed non-lead pipes.
Under the federal Lead and Copper Rule, water systems must identify and inventory lead service lines. Billings is required to make progress on this work, but the timeline and details are still being finalized.
What this means for your home
You won't find your address on a public map yet. That doesn't mean your home is safe or at risk—it means the inventory work is ongoing.
If your home was built before 1986, there's a higher chance it has a lead service line. Even homes built later can have lead pipes.
The best way to know your home's status is to contact the City of Billings directly. Ask:
- Does my address have a lead service line?
- Has my line been tested or replaced?
- Are there programs to help with replacement?
Testing and next steps
If you're concerned about lead in your water, you can request a free or low-cost water test through the City of Billings. A test will show whether lead is present in your water right now—which depends on your pipes, water chemistry, and other factors.
For health concerns, talk to your doctor or pediatrician, or contact the CDC's lead hotline.
Next steps for residents
- Contact the City of Billings water utility to ask about your home's service line status and water testing options.
- Request a water test if you haven't had one done in the past year.
- If lead is detected, ask about replacement programs or short-term steps to reduce exposure (flushing, filters).
- Check back regularly for updates to the city's lead service line inventory as it develops.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Billings have lead in the water?
The City of Billings is still building its lead service line inventory, so a complete picture isn't public yet. Lead in water depends on your home's pipes and local conditions. Request a free water test from the city to know your home's status.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Call the City of Billings water utility with your address. They can tell you whether your line is documented as lead, galvanized, or other material. Homes built before 1986 are at higher risk, but any home can have lead pipes.
Is lead service line replacement expensive?
Yes, replacement typically costs $3,000–$25,000, depending on your property. Ask the City of Billings whether there are grants, rebates, or financing programs available to help offset costs.
Can I use a filter if I have a lead service line?
Some filters reduce lead, but they don't eliminate the problem—replacement is the permanent fix. Talk to the city about your options and any filter recommendations while you plan replacement.