Denver Lead Service Line Replacement Program
Denver Water Board serves about 1,287,000 people and reported 15,826 lead and 848 galvanized service lines that must be replaced, out of 311,392 lines, in EPA's Q3 2026 inventory, plus 34,057 lines of unknown material. Here's who pays to replace yours, what it costs, and how to sign up.
Free, auto-enrolled
Denver Water's Lead Reduction Program replaces customer-owned lead service lines with copper at no direct cost. Likely lead properties are enrolled automatically and scheduled by area each year; the owner signs a consent form. Customers get a free pitcher filter until six months after replacement. Owners who replace on their own may qualify for partial reimbursement if they get pre-approval first.
How to get it
- Look up your address on Denver Water's lead map.
- Return the consent form when your packet arrives.
- If you want to replace sooner, file the reimbursement pre-approval form before hiring anyone.
Sources: denverwater.org, denvernorthstar.com
Lead lines in Denver
The most recent 90th-percentile lead result EPA lists for this system is 3.6 parts per billion (2026-01 to 2026-06). Under the new federal rule, the action level drops to 10 ppb in 2027. Galvanized lines count if they ever sat downstream of a lead pipe, because they can hold lead particles. Unknown lines must be identified by the utility, and many turn out to be lead.
How Denver compares: it ranks #25 of 7,556 U.S. water systems and #1 of 55 in Colorado for lead and galvanized lines. 5.4% of its service lines need replacing, compared with 2.8% across Colorado. See the national ranking.
Source: EPA SDWIS Service Line Inventory, Q3 2026 · Utility phone: 303-994-6605 · PWSID CO0116001
Denver lead service line map: check your address
Every water utility had to publish an inventory of its service lines, and most offer an address lookup map. Start with Denver Water Board's official lead program page, which links to its lookup or explains how to get your line checked. The status will be lead, galvanized requiring replacement, non-lead or unknown. If it's unknown, you can usually check the pipe yourself and send the utility a photo.
Communities and ZIP codes served
ZIP codes: 80123, 80202, 80203, 80204, 80205, 80206, 80207, 80209, 80210, 80211, 80212, 80216, 80218, 80219, 80220, 80222, 80223, 80224, 80230, 80236, 80237, 80238, 80239, 80247, 80249, 80264, 80266, 80290, 80293, 80294
Who pays in Colorado?
This state has no law we found that decides who pays for the private side of a lead service line, so each utility sets its own policy. Under the federal rule, utilities must replace every lead line and galvanized line that needs it within ten years of November 1, 2027, but the rule does not make utilities pay for the owner's side. Federal infrastructure money passed through the state revolving fund can pay for it, so many utilities offer free or discounted replacement, especially for low-income owners.
The law: Federal Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (40 CFR 141 Subpart I). Mandatory? No state owner mandate found; the federal rule requires most utilities to replace all lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by 2037. Funding: State Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (federal lead service line money).
Sources: epa.gov
Nationwide, EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements require most utilities to replace every lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement line by December 31, 2037, starting November 1, 2027. Utilities must mail a notice every year to each home with a lead, galvanized or unknown line. See the federal timeline.
What would you pay?
Many utility loans are 0% (enter 0). Private loans run higher. Your real price depends on how far the house sits from the street, digging versus trenchless methods, permits and restoration. This is an estimate, not a quote.
Not covered, or can't wait?
Get up to 3 quotes from licensed plumbers who replace service lines in Denver.
Common questions
Is lead service line replacement free in Denver?
Free when scheduled. Denver Water's Lead Reduction Program replaces customer-owned lead service lines with copper at no direct cost.
Is lead service line replacement mandatory in Denver?
No state owner mandate found; the federal rule requires most utilities to replace all lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by 2037.
How much does it cost to replace a lead service line in Denver?
If you qualify for Denver's program, the private side costs you nothing. Most private-side replacements cost about $4,000 to $10,000, and long or difficult lines can run higher. Price depends on the distance from the street to your house, whether the contractor digs a trench or pulls the new pipe through (trenchless), permits, and restoring your lawn, sidewalk or basement wall. That's what you'd pay if you replace it on your own or don't qualify.
How do I know if my home has a lead service line?
Look up your address on Denver Water Board's service line inventory or check the letter it mailed you. You can also check the pipe where it enters your basement, usually near the meter: lead is dull gray, soft, and turns shiny silver when you scratch it with a key, and a magnet won't stick. Galvanized steel is gray too, but a magnet sticks to it. See our step-by-step guide.
What if I can't afford to replace my lead line?
Ask Denver Water Board about income-based help first; federal money often makes replacement free for low-income owners. Other options are utility payment plans, 0% city loans, state revolving fund programs, property tax assessments and home improvement loans. Our guide on paying for replacement lists them.
Who owns the water service line?
In most U.S. cities the utility owns the pipe from the water main to the curb stop or property line, and the property owner owns the rest, into the house. Some utilities, including Minneapolis and many in St. Louis County, treat the whole line as the owner's. Federal rules now require utilities to replace the whole lead line, not just their part.
Other Colorado programs
Something out of date? Report a change. We recheck program terms at least once a year.