Indiana · population 25,768
Lead pipes in East Chicago, IN
3,889 lead or galvanized lines to replace
Most of East Chicago (population 25,768) gets its water from East Chicago Water Works. That system reported 1,732 lead and 2,157 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines out of 7,061, with 1,716 more of unknown material.
55% of East Chicago Water Works's service lines are lead or galvanized requiring replacement, higher than the Indiana average (9.0%) and higher than the national average (3.1%).
- Lead 25%
- Galvanized (replace) 31%
- Unknown 24%
- Non-lead 21%
Latest lead test for East Chicago Water Works (Jan 2022–Dec 2024): 8 ppb at the 90th percentile, against a 15 ppb federal action level. Full test history.
Compliance record: EPA lists 1 Lead and Copper Rule violation since 2015 for East Chicago Water Works.
Water systems serving East Chicago
| Water system | Lead | Galv. | Unknown | % lead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Chicago Water WorksMain system | 1,732 | 2,157 | 1,716 | 55% |
| Indiana American Water - NorthwestServes nearby areas | 10,833 | 183 | 36,484 | 12% |
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 East Chicago
The counts above cover the whole water system. To see whether your line is lead, look up your address on East Chicago Water Works's official inventory. Utilities had to make these public by October 16, 2024.
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.
Choosing a lead-certified filter · Testing your water · Replacement cost
Nearby cities
- Whiting23,124 lead + galv. lines
- Hammond23,124 lead + galv. lines
- Gary11,016 lead + galv. lines
- Highland149 lead + galv. lines
- Griffith16 lead + galv. lines
- Dyer93 lead + galv. lines
- New Chicagono lead reported
- Schererville20 lead + galv. lines
Check another water system
Questions
Does East Chicago, IN have lead pipes?
Yes. East Chicago Water Works, which serves East Chicago, reported 1,732 lead and 2,157 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines, plus 1,716 of unknown material.
Who supplies water to East Chicago?
EPA's service area maps place most of East Chicago in East Chicago Water Works's service area (PWSID IN5245012). Indiana American Water - Northwest also serves parts of the city or nearby areas.
How do I check whether my East Chicago home has a lead service line?
Search your address on East Chicago Water Works'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 East Chicago 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 East Chicago Water Works whether your street is scheduled and whether it covers the private side.