Des Moines, IA · PWSID IA7727031
Des Moines Water Works lead service lines
8,124 lead or galvanized lines to replace
Des Moines Water Works reported 8,114 lead and 10 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines out of 90,731 in its inventory. That's about 1 in 11 lines. Another 45,950 (51%) are still listed as unknown material.
Ranks #2 of 402 Iowa systems with confirmed lead lines, and #61 nationally.
9.0% of Des Moines Water Works's service lines are lead or galvanized requiring replacement. That's higher than the Iowa average (5.6%) and higher than the national average (3.1%).
- Lead 8.9%
- Galvanized (replace) <0.1%
- Unknown 51%
- Non-lead 40%
Total service lines reported: 90,731. Reported all required service line types. Population served: 246,055; 94,000 connections.
Lead test results
Des Moines Water Works's most recent 90th-percentile lead result (Jan 2022–Dec 2024) was not detected, below both the 15 ppb action level and the 10 ppb level that takes effect in 2027. This means 90% of homes sampled were at or below that level; individual homes, especially those with lead lines, can be higher.
Lead and Copper Rule 90th-percentile results reported to EPA, in parts per billion. Dashed lines: 15 ppb action level and the 10 ppb level from November 1, 2027.
Progress since 2025 Q1
Reported lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines went from 0 in 2025 Q1 to 8,124 in 2026 Q3: up 8,124. Lines of unknown material went from 0 to 45,950, up 45,950.
Quarterly counts reported to EPA. A drop usually means lines were replaced or confirmed non-lead; a rise usually means more lines were identified. Replacement progress rankings.
Lead rule violations
EPA's data lists no Lead and Copper Rule violations for Des Moines Water Works since 2015. That covers testing, reporting, corrosion control and public notice requirements; it isn't a guarantee about any individual home.
Source: EPA SDWIS violation records for the Lead and Copper Rule.
Where the water comes from
Des Moines Water Works's main water source is purchased surface water. It buys treated water from Ciww (DMWW). The seller treats the water, including corrosion control that keeps lead from dissolving out of pipes, while Des Moines Water Works is responsible for its own service line inventory and replacement program. It sells water to 22 other water systems: Waukee Water Supply, City of Ankeny, Bondurant Muni Water Supply, Johnston Municipal Water Supply, Southeast Polk RWD, West Des Moines Water Works, Warren Water District, Norwalk Water Supply, Sunnybrook Mobile Home Park, Greenwood Acres Water Co., Hickory Hollow Water Service, INC., Oakwood Park Water INC., Yes Regency Manor LLC, Southridge Estate, Ewing Trace MHC, Stover Heights MHC, Val Vista Estates, Hillock Estates, The Meadows, Southland MHP Community, Pleasant Valley Le LLC, Wilshire Hills MHC.
Source: EPA SDWIS water system and facility records.
Check your own address
These counts cover the whole system. To see whether your line is lead, use the utility's address-level inventory. Utilities had to prepare one by October 16, 2024 and make it publicly accessible; systems serving more than 50,000 people must post it online.
No map yet? Do the 2-minute scratch and magnet test on the pipe where water enters your home.
Protect your drinking water now
If your line is lead, galvanized or unknown, filter water for drinking, cooking and baby formula. Use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead. Run cold water for a few minutes after it sits for hours, and never use hot tap water for cooking.
How to pick a lead-certified filter · How to test your water for lead
Getting the line replaced
EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements require most systems to replace lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by December 31, 2037. Ask Des Moines Water Works whether it replaces the private side for free or with a cost share before you hire anyone. If you want it done sooner, or your utility doesn't cover your side, a licensed plumber can quote it. What replacement costs.
County pages: Lead pipes in Polk County
Cities served
ZIP codes served
ZIP codes whose center falls inside Des Moines Water Works's mapped service area (EPA service area boundaries). Neighboring utilities may serve parts of the same ZIP.
500075000950032500355007350169502265023750244503095031050311503125031350314503155031650317503195032050321503245032550327
Other water systems nearby
| System | Lead + galv. | Unknown |
|---|---|---|
| City of Ankeny | 6,630 | 0 |
| West Des Moines Water Works | 59 | 4,590 |
| Clive Water Department | 45 | 0 |
| Grimes Water Supply | 7 | 0 |
| Southeast Polk RWD | 3 | 1,238 |
| Mitchellville Water Supply | 1 | 11 |
| Sheldahl Water Supply | 8 | 0 |
| Grimes MHP | 3 | 0 |
Check another water system
Questions
Does Des Moines Water Works have lead pipes?
Yes. Des Moines Water Works reported 8,114 lead service lines and 10 galvanized lines that must be replaced, out of 90,731 total. 45,950 more are of unknown material.
How do I check if my home's service line is lead?
Look up your address on Des Moines Water Works's official service line inventory, which utilities must make publicly available. You can also scratch the pipe where it enters your home: lead is soft, dull gray, scratches to shiny silver and does not attract a magnet.
When will Des Moines Water Works replace lead service lines?
Under EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, most systems must replace lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by December 31, 2037, starting from November 1, 2027. The rule is being challenged in court, so dates could change. Many utilities run free or cost-share programs now.
Has Des Moines Water Works had lead violations?
EPA's data shows no Lead and Copper Rule violations since 2015 for Des Moines Water Works.
Which water filters remove lead?
Use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead reduction, or NSF/ANSI 58 for reverse osmosis. Check the certification on NSF's listings, not just the box.
Embed or cite this data
Local news sites, blogs and community groups can embed this card. It updates when EPA releases new data.
Citation: Lead Pipe Map, "Des Moines Water Works lead service lines," https://leadpipemap.com/ia/des-moines-water-works/. Source: EPA SDWIS service line inventory, 2026 Q3. Download the full dataset on the data page.