Lead pipes in Polk County, Iowa
How many lead pipes are in Polk County, IA?
Water systems based in Polk County reported 14,748 lead service lines, 73 galvanized lines that need replacing and 47,199 lines of unknown material to EPA (Q3 2026). Des Moines has the most, with 8,124 lead and galvanized lines.
Free replacement program confirmed
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.
Confirmed programs in Polk County
- Des Moines: Free, in phases.
Every Polk 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines Des Moines Water Works | 8,114 | 10 | 45,950 | Free, utility schedules |
| Ankeny City of Ankeny | 6,630 | 0 | 0 | Not confirmed |
| Clive Clive Water Department | 0 | 45 | 0 | Not confirmed |
| Sheldahl Sheldahl Water Supply | 1 | 7 | 0 | Not confirmed |
| Grimes Grimes Water Supply | 0 | 7 | 0 | Not confirmed |
| Southeast Polk RWD Southeast Polk RWD | 3 | 0 | 1,238 | Not confirmed |
| Grimes Grimes MHP | 0 | 3 | 0 | Not confirmed |
| Mitchellville Mitchellville Water Supply | 0 | 1 | 11 | Not confirmed |
Common questions
How many lead pipes are in Polk County, IA?
Water systems based in Polk County reported 14,748 lead service lines, 73 galvanized lines that need replacing and 47,199 lines of unknown material to EPA (Q3 2026). Des Moines has the most, with 8,124 lead and galvanized lines.
Who pays to replace lead service lines in Polk County?
It depends on your water utility. Iowa leaves the cost split to each utility: some pay the whole cost, some split it, and some leave it to the owner. We have confirmed programs for 1 Polk County utility, 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.
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