Lead Pipe Map

Iowa · population 69,026

Lead pipes in Ames, IA

219 lead or galvanized lines to replace

Most of Ames (population 69,026) gets its water from Ames Water Treatment Plant. That system reported 206 lead and 13 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines out of 12,478, with 0 more of unknown material.

1.8% of Ames Water Treatment Plant's service lines are lead or galvanized requiring replacement, lower than the Iowa average (5.6%) and lower than the national average (3.1%).

206Lead
13Galvanized, replace
0Unknown material
12,259Non-lead

Latest lead test for Ames Water Treatment Plant (Jan 2023–Dec 2025): not detected at the 90th percentile, against a 15 ppb federal action level. Full test history.

Compliance record: EPA lists no Lead and Copper Rule violations since 2015 for Ames Water Treatment Plant.

Water systems serving Ames

Water systemLeadGalv.Unknown% lead
Ames Water Treatment PlantMain system2061301.8%
IsuAlso serves parts of the city0000%

Matched from EPA water system service area boundaries and the cities each system reports serving. Edges of the city may be served by a neighboring system; your water bill names your utility.

Check your address in Ames

The counts above cover the whole water system. To see whether your line is lead, look up your address on Ames Water Treatment Plant's official inventory. Utilities had to make these public by October 16, 2024.

Find the official inventory mapAmes Water Treatment Plant details

No map yet? Do the 2-minute scratch and magnet test.

Protect your drinking water

If your line is lead, galvanized or unknown, use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead for drinking, cooking and baby formula, and use only cold water.

Pitcher filtersCheapest start. Pick one certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead, such as Brita Elite, PUR Plus or ZeroWater.See pitchers Faucet-mount filtersFilters straight from the tap. Look for NSF/ANSI 53 lead reduction on the box.See faucet filters Under-sink systemsBest for families. Carbon block (NSF 53) or reverse osmosis (NSF 58) units rated for lead.See under-sink

Choosing a lead-certified filter · Testing your water · Replacement cost

Nearby cities

Check another water system

Questions

Does Ames, IA have lead pipes?

Yes. Ames Water Treatment Plant, which serves Ames, reported 206 lead and 13 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines, plus 0 of unknown material.

Who supplies water to Ames?

EPA's service area maps place most of Ames in Ames Water Treatment Plant's service area (PWSID IA8503039). Isu also serves parts of the city or nearby areas.

How do I check whether my Ames home has a lead service line?

Search your address on Ames Water Treatment Plant's service line inventory map. You can also scratch the pipe where water enters your home: lead is soft, dull gray, scratches to shiny silver and doesn't attract a magnet.

When will lead pipes in Ames be replaced?

EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements require most systems to replace lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by December 31, 2037. Ask Ames Water Treatment Plant whether your street is scheduled and whether it covers the private side.