Cedar Rapids Lead Service Line Replacement Program
Cedar Rapids Water Department serves about 142,364 people and reported 108 lead and 2,387 galvanized service lines that must be replaced, out of 54,425 lines, in EPA's Q3 2026 inventory, plus 4,949 lines of unknown material. Here's who pays to replace yours, what it costs, and how to sign up.
Inventory underway; cost policy not published
Cedar Rapids estimates more than 9,000 service lines, about 17% of its total, are lead or galvanized, and its plan aims to replace every lead line. The city owns the line from the main to the curb valve; it hasn't published a cost policy for the owner's side.
How to get it
- Help the Water Division update its records by reporting your line.
- Call 319-286-5900 or email watermail@cedar-rapids.org to ask about owner costs.
- Use a certified filter if your line is lead or galvanized.
Sources: cedar-rapids.org, thegazette.com
Lead lines in Cedar Rapids
The most recent 90th-percentile lead result EPA lists for this system is 1.6 parts per billion (2025-01 to 2025-12). 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 Cedar Rapids compares: it ranks #190 of 7,556 U.S. water systems and #7 of 402 in Iowa for lead and galvanized lines. 4.6% of its service lines need replacing, compared with 7.7% across Iowa. See the national ranking.
Source: EPA SDWIS Service Line Inventory, Q3 2026 · Utility phone: 319-286-5973 · PWSID IA5715093
Cedar Rapids 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 Cedar Rapids Water Department'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: 52233, 52328, 52401, 52402, 52403, 52404, 52405, 52411
Who pays in Iowa?
Iowa leaves the cost split to each utility: some pay the whole cost, some split it, and some leave it to the owner. Iowa DNR cites an EPA average of $4,700 per line, with a range of $1,200 to more than $12,300. Iowa American Water replaces at no direct cost, and Iowa City pays half up to $5,000.
The law: Federal Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, enforced by Iowa DNR. Mandatory? No state mandate; the federal rule requires replacement by 2037. Funding: Iowa State Revolving Fund.
Sources: iowadnr.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 Cedar Rapids.
Common questions
Is lead service line replacement free in Cedar Rapids?
Not yet. Cedar Rapids estimates more than 9,000 service lines, about 17% of its total, are lead or galvanized, and its plan aims to replace every lead line.
Is lead service line replacement mandatory in Cedar Rapids?
No state mandate; the federal rule requires replacement by 2037.
How much does it cost to replace a lead service line in Cedar Rapids?
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.
How do I know if my home has a lead service line?
Look up your address on Cedar Rapids Water Department'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 Cedar Rapids Water Department 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 Iowa programs
Davenport ✓Des Moines ✓Sioux City ✓Iowa City ✓Muscatine ✓Clinton (Iowa American Water) ✓AnkenyCouncil BluffsMason CityBoone
Something out of date? Report a change. We recheck program terms at least once a year.