Des Moines Lead Service Line Replacement Program
Des Moines Water Works serves about 246,055 people and reported 8,114 lead and 10 galvanized service lines that must be replaced, out of 90,731 lines, in EPA's Q3 2026 inventory, plus 45,950 lines of unknown material. Here's who pays to replace yours, what it costs, and how to sign up.
Free, in phases
Des Moines Water Works replaces lead service lines at no cost to homeowners, starting with about 400 homes in the Drake neighborhood and funded by about $52.6 million in State Revolving Fund loans for 4,600 lines. The utility puts the typical cost at $10,000 to $12,000 per line. Its contractor needs access inside and outside the home. Fewer than a quarter of flagged customers had answered the utility's self-report survey by January 2026.
How to get it
- Complete Des Moines Water Works' service line self-report survey.
- Email lead@dmww.com or call 515-283-8754 to ask when your area is scheduled.
- Sign the access agreement when your phase starts.
Sources: cms2.revize.com, axios.com
Lead lines in Des Moines
The most recent 90th-percentile lead result EPA lists for this system is 0 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 Des Moines compares: it ranks #61 of 7,556 U.S. water systems and #2 of 402 in Iowa for lead and galvanized lines. 9.0% 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: 515-283-8751 · PWSID IA7727031
Des Moines 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 Des Moines Water Works'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: 50007, 50009, 50032, 50035, 50073, 50169, 50226, 50237, 50244, 50309, 50310, 50311, 50312, 50313, 50314, 50315, 50316, 50317, 50319, 50320, 50321, 50324, 50325, 50327
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.
Local cost: Des Moines Water Works puts the typical cost of a full replacement at $10,000 to $12,000 per line.
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 Des Moines.
Common questions
Is lead service line replacement free in Des Moines?
Free when scheduled. Des Moines Water Works replaces lead service lines at no cost to homeowners, starting with about 400 homes in the Drake neighborhood and funded by about $52.6 million in State Revolving Fund loans for 4,600 lines.
Is lead service line replacement mandatory in Des Moines?
No state mandate; the federal rule requires replacement by 2037.
How much does it cost to replace a lead service line in Des Moines?
If you qualify for Des Moines'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 Des Moines Water Works'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 Des Moines Water Works 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 ✓Sioux City ✓Iowa City ✓Cedar Rapids ✓Muscatine ✓Clinton (Iowa American Water) ✓AnkenyCouncil BluffsMason CityBoone
Something out of date? Report a change. We recheck program terms at least once a year.