Lead pipes in St. Joseph County, Indiana
How many lead pipes are in St. Joseph County, IN?
Water systems based in St. Joseph County reported 30,963 lead service lines, 1,957 galvanized lines that need replacing and 15,204 lines of unknown material to EPA (Q3 2026). South Bend has the most, with 28,038 lead and galvanized lines.
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 St. Joseph County
- South Bend: State-funded zone projects.
- Mishawaka: Owner replaces their portion; free inspections.
Every St. Joseph 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Bend South Bend Water Works | 27,001 | 1,037 | 10,572 | Replacing lines; ask about cost |
| Mishawaka Mishawaka Utilities | 3,956 | 855 | 4,191 | Owner pays private side |
| North Liberty North Liberty Water Works | 6 | 65 | 441 | Not confirmed |
Common questions
How many lead pipes are in St. Joseph County, IN?
Water systems based in St. Joseph County reported 30,963 lead service lines, 1,957 galvanized lines that need replacing and 15,204 lines of unknown material to EPA (Q3 2026). South Bend has the most, with 28,038 lead and galvanized lines.
Who pays to replace lead service lines in St. Joseph 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 2 St. Joseph 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
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