Lead pipes in Lake County, Indiana
How many lead pipes are in Lake County, IN?
Water systems based in Lake County reported 35,067 lead service lines, 3,595 galvanized lines that need replacing and 81,810 lines of unknown material to EPA (Q3 2026). Hammond has the most, with 23,124 lead and galvanized lines.
Free replacement program confirmed
Who pays in Indiana
Indiana law lets utilities include the cost of replacing customer-owned lead service lines in rates, with approval from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. Citizens Energy in Indianapolis uses this to replace private lines with no extra charge beyond a monthly fee. Other Indiana cities rely on State Revolving Fund money and set their own terms.
Confirmed programs in Lake County
- Hammond: City projects funded by state loans.
- Gary & Merrillville: No direct cost to the customer.
- East Chicago: 2025-2026 block-by-block program.
Every Lake County water system with lead lines
Systems are grouped by the county EPA lists as their main service area. Some serve towns in neighboring counties too.
| Water system | Lead | Galv. | Unknown | Program |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hammond Hammond Water Works Department | 22,380 | 744 | 4,518 | Replacing lines; ask about cost |
| Gary & Merrillville Indiana American Water - Northwest | 10,833 | 183 | 36,484 | Free, utility schedules |
| East Chicago East Chicago Water Works | 1,732 | 2,157 | 1,716 | Replacing lines; ask about cost |
| Crown Point Crown Point Water Works | 15 | 184 | 2,563 | Not confirmed |
| Highland (highlands) Highland Water Works | 1 | 148 | 7,787 | Not confirmed |
| Whiting Whiting Water Department | 74 | 29 | 1,316 | Not confirmed |
| Dyer Dyer Water Department | 19 | 74 | 321 | Not confirmed |
| Indiana American Water Indiana American Water - Lowell | 0 | 26 | 2,700 | Not confirmed |
| Schererville Schererville Water Department | 6 | 14 | 12,526 | Not confirmed |
| Griffith Griffith Water Department | 0 | 16 | 4,518 | Not confirmed |
| Schneider Schneider Water Department | 0 | 11 | 96 | Not confirmed |
| Cedar Lake Noble Oaks Subdivision Water Association | 7 | 0 | 1 | Not confirmed |
| Cedar Lake Cedar Lake Bible Conference Grounds | 0 | 5 | 2 | Not confirmed |
| Crown Point Cuii - Twin Lakes | 0 | 4 | 586 | Not confirmed |
| Munster Munster Water Company | 0 | 0 | 6,676 | Not confirmed |
Common questions
How many lead pipes are in Lake County, IN?
Water systems based in Lake County reported 35,067 lead service lines, 3,595 galvanized lines that need replacing and 81,810 lines of unknown material to EPA (Q3 2026). Hammond has the most, with 23,124 lead and galvanized lines.
Who pays to replace lead service lines in Lake County?
It depends on your water utility. Indiana law lets utilities include the cost of replacing customer-owned lead service lines in rates, with approval from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. We have confirmed programs for 3 Lake County utilities, listed on this page.
How do I find out if my house has a lead service line?
Look up your address on your water utility's service line inventory map, or check the pipe where it enters your home: lead is dull gray, soft, scratches to shiny silver, and a magnet won't stick. See our step-by-step guide.
Other Indiana counties
Marion CountySt. Joseph CountyElkhart CountyAllen CountyGrant CountyTippecanoe CountyNoble CountyVigo CountyMadison CountyMarshall CountyIndiana →