Duluth Lead Service Line Replacement Program
Duluth serves about 86,859 people and reported 5,382 lead and 251 galvanized service lines that must be replaced, out of 28,729 lines, in EPA's Q3 2026 inventory, plus 2,609 lines of unknown material. Here's who pays to replace yours, what it costs, and how to sign up.
Free, auto-enrolled
Duluth automatically enrolls every address listed as lead, galvanized-requiring-replacement or unknown in its Lead Removal Program. Owners sign an agreement and the city replaces the private side at no charge. Replacements arranged outside the program can't use this money. Free lead-filtering pitchers go to customers with known or suspected lead lines, and a technician will identify your private side for free.
How to get it
- Look up your line in Duluth's inventory tool or book a free identification visit.
- Sign the Lead Removal Program agreement when asked.
- Call 218-730-4673 or email leadremoval@duluthmn.gov for a free filter pitcher.
Sources: duluthmn.gov, wdio.com
Lead lines in Duluth
The most recent 90th-percentile lead result EPA lists for this system is 8 parts per billion (2023-01 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 Duluth compares: it ranks #89 of 7,556 U.S. water systems and #3 of 460 in Minnesota for lead and galvanized lines. 19.6% of its service lines need replacing, compared with 8.0% across Minnesota. See the national ranking.
Source: EPA SDWIS Service Line Inventory, Q3 2026 · Utility phone: 2187305256 · PWSID MN1690011
Duluth 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 Duluth'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: 55805, 55806, 55807, 55812
Who pays in Minnesota?
Minnesota set a goal in 2023 to remove every lead service line by 2033 and put $240 million of state money, plus federal funds, into a Public Facilities Authority grant program that covers both public and private costs. As a result the big Minnesota programs, including Minneapolis, Saint Paul and Rochester, replace the private side for free.
The law: Minn. Stat. 446A.077 and 446A.078 (2023). Mandatory? State goal: every lead service line removed by 2033. Funding: Minnesota Public Facilities Authority lead service line grants ($240 million state appropriation available through June 2033).
Sources: revisor.mn.gov, house.mn.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 Duluth.
Common questions
Is lead service line replacement free in Duluth?
Free. Duluth automatically enrolls every address listed as lead, galvanized-requiring-replacement or unknown in its Lead Removal Program.
Is lead service line replacement mandatory in Duluth?
State goal: every lead service line removed by 2033.
How much does it cost to replace a lead service line in Duluth?
If you qualify for Duluth'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 Duluth'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 Duluth 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 Minnesota programs
Minneapolis ✓Saint Paul ✓Winona ✓Rochester ✓Saint CloudFaribaultBrainerd
Something out of date? Report a change. We recheck program terms at least once a year.