Lead Service Lines at University of Utah Water System
What you need to know
University of Utah serves about 57,080 people and relies on groundwater as its primary water source. The water system has not yet completed a public lead service line (LSL) inventory—meaning there's no publicly available count of how many lead pipes connect homes and buildings to the water main.
This doesn't mean lead isn't present. It means the utility hasn't finished documenting which service lines contain lead, galvanized steel, or other materials.
Why this matters
Lead service lines are the most common source of lead in drinking water. If your home was built before the 1980s, or if you're unsure when your service line was installed, there's a reasonable chance it could contain lead. Water sitting in a lead pipe overnight or over a weekend can pick up lead particles.
University of Utah is required by federal law to complete this inventory and develop a plan to replace lead service lines. Until that work is done and shared publicly, you won't know from an official source whether your property is at risk.
What you can do right now
Contact the utility directly. Call or email University of Utah's water system and ask:
- Whether your address has a known lead service line
- When the inventory will be available to the public
- What options exist for testing your water or replacing your service line
Test your water. You don't have to wait for the utility's inventory. Many county health departments offer free or low-cost lead testing kits. A simple test tells you whether lead is actually present in the water you're drinking and cooking with right now.
Know the symptoms. Lead exposure can affect children's brain development and cause other health problems. If you have young children or are pregnant, contact your pediatrician or the CDC for guidance on reducing exposure while you investigate further.
Next steps for residents
- Contact University of Utah's water department and ask for your service line material and the inventory timeline
- Request a free lead testing kit from your county health department (Utah Department of Health can direct you)
- If you rent, notify your landlord and ask them to test or disclose what they know about the service line
- Keep records of any correspondence with the utility about lead
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 University of Utah's water system directly with your address—they may have records even if the public inventory isn't complete. You can also hire a plumber to inspect the service line where it enters your home, or request a free water test from your county health department to see if lead is present.
Is University of Utah's water safe to drink?
The utility is required to test treated water quality. If you're concerned about lead from service lines specifically, a free water test from your county health department will give you a definitive answer for your home.
When will University of Utah finish its lead service line inventory?
That information isn't publicly available yet. Contact the utility directly to ask about their timeline and whether you can get information about your specific address now.
What should I do if I'm pregnant or have young children?
Talk to your pediatrician or contact the CDC for guidance on lead exposure. In the meantime, you can request a water test and ask the utility about your service line material.