Gary & Merrillville Lead Service Line Replacement Program
Indiana American Water - Northwest serves about 210,510 people and reported 10,833 lead and 183 galvanized service lines that must be replaced, out of 91,302 lines, in EPA's Q3 2026 inventory, plus 36,484 lines of unknown material. Here's who pays to replace yours, what it costs, and how to sign up.
No direct cost to the customer
Indiana American Water replaces lead service lines at no direct cost to the customer, including the customer-owned portion and galvanized lines that sat downstream of lead; the cost is spread across all ratepayers under a 2017 state law (HEA 1519). The owner signs an agreement letting the contractor work on the property. The company has replaced or retired nearly 12,000 lead lines in northwest Indiana and won about $19 million to replace about 4,000 in Gary.
How to get it
- Check your address on the service line map at indianaamwater.com/leadfacts.
- Report your line material if asked.
- Sign and return the property owner agreement when contacted.
Sources: amwater-web.matrix.squiz.cloud, newsroom.amwater.com
Lead lines in Gary & Merrillville
The most recent 90th-percentile lead result EPA lists for this system is 3 parts per billion (2022-01 to 2024-12). 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 Gary & Merrillville compares: it ranks #40 of 7,556 U.S. water systems and #6 of 232 in Indiana for lead and galvanized lines. 12.1% of its service lines need replacing, compared with 11.7% across Indiana. See the national ranking.
Source: EPA SDWIS Service Line Inventory, Q3 2026 · Utility phone: 317-885-2408 · PWSID IN5245015
Gary & Merrillville 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 Indiana American Water - Northwest'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
Indiana American Water - Northwest serves Gary, Merrillville. If you live in any of these, this program applies to you.
ZIP codes: 46304, 46368, 46403, 46404, 46405, 46406, 46407, 46408, 46409, 46410
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.
The law: Ind. Code 8-1-31-6.6. Mandatory? No owner mandate; the federal rule requires replacement by 2037. Funding: Indiana Finance Authority State Revolving Fund.
Sources: codes.findlaw.com, in.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 Gary & Merrillville.
Common questions
Is lead service line replacement free in Gary & Merrillville?
Free when scheduled. Indiana American Water replaces lead service lines at no direct cost to the customer, including the customer-owned portion and galvanized lines that sat downstream of lead; the cost is spread across all ratepayers under a 2017 state law (HEA 1519).
Is lead service line replacement mandatory in Gary & Merrillville?
No owner mandate; the federal rule requires replacement by 2037.
How much does it cost to replace a lead service line in Gary & Merrillville?
If you qualify for Gary & Merrillville'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 Indiana American Water - Northwest'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 Indiana American Water - Northwest 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 Indiana programs
Indianapolis ✓South Bend ✓Hammond ✓Elkhart ✓Fort Wayne ✓Mishawaka ✓East Chicago ✓MarionLafayette ✓Kendallville
Something out of date? Report a change. We recheck program terms at least once a year.