LINCOLN, CITY OF Lead Service Line Inventory
The City of Lincoln serves about 296,000 people in Nebraska. Like all US water systems, Lincoln is required to develop and maintain an inventory of lead service lines (LSLs)—the pipes that connect the water main to homes and buildings.
What we know about Lincoln's lead service lines
The City of Lincoln has not yet publicly reported the results of its lead service line inventory. This means we don't have confirmed data on how many lead, galvanized, or non-lead lines serve the community.
This doesn't mean there's no lead. Many water systems across the country are still in the process of identifying their service lines. Older neighborhoods are statistically more likely to have lead lines, since lead pipes were commonly installed before the 1970s and remained legal until the 1986 Safe Drinking Water Act amendments.
What you can do
Check directly with the utility. Contact the City of Lincoln's water department to ask:
- Whether your address has a lead service line
- What the city has found so far in your neighborhood
- When they expect to finish the full inventory
- Whether they offer free or subsidized lead testing or replacement
Test your water. Even if your service line is not lead, fixtures, solder, or brass fittings can release lead. Free or low-cost testing is often available through your local health department.
Use interim controls. If you're concerned about lead, run your tap water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking, use cold water only for drinking and cooking, and consider a certified lead-reduction filter (NSF/ANSI Standard 53) while waiting for inventory results.
Health concerns? If you have questions about lead exposure and health, contact your doctor or the CDC at 1-800-CDC-INFO.
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Next steps for residents
- Contact the City of Lincoln water department and ask for your specific service line status and the timeline for completing the inventory
- Request water testing through your local health department or a certified lab
- Learn about replacement programs — Nebraska communities may have funding available to help replace lead lines
- Review the CDC's guidance on reducing lead exposure at home while you wait for more information
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Lincoln Nebraska have lead in the water?
The City of Lincoln has not yet released its full lead service line inventory, so we don't know the total number of lead lines. Individual homes may or may not have lead pipes. Contact the city's water department to check your address and ask about testing.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Contact the City of Lincoln water utility with your address. They should have records of your service line material. You can also have a plumber inspect the line where it enters your home, though the most reliable way is to ask the utility directly.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Lincoln Nebraska?
The city treats and tests its water, but lead can enter from old pipes and fixtures in individual homes. If you're concerned, use cold water for drinking and cooking, let it run for 30 seconds before use, and consider testing your water or using a certified filter.
What should I do if my child was exposed to lead in water?
Contact your pediatrician for guidance. Lead exposure effects vary by age and duration. Your doctor can decide whether testing is appropriate and discuss any concerns specific to your child's situation.