Indiana · population 76,030
Lead pipes in Hammond, IN
23,124 lead or galvanized lines to replace
Most of Hammond (population 76,030) gets its water from Hammond Water Works Department. That system reported 22,380 lead and 744 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines out of 28,183, with 4,518 more of unknown material.
82% of Hammond Water Works Department'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 79%
- Galvanized (replace) 2.6%
- Unknown 16%
- Non-lead 1.9%
Latest lead test for Hammond Water Works Department (2025): 3 ppb at the 90th percentile, against a 15 ppb federal action level. Full test history.
Compliance record: EPA lists 2 Lead and Copper Rule violations since 2015, 1 health-based for Hammond Water Works Department.
Water systems serving Hammond
| Water system | Lead | Galv. | Unknown | % lead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hammond Water Works DepartmentMain system | 22,380 | 744 | 4,518 | 82% |
| East Chicago Water WorksServes nearby areas | 1,732 | 2,157 | 1,716 | 55% |
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 Hammond
The counts above cover the whole water system. To see whether your line is lead, look up your address on Hammond Water Works Department'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
- East Chicago3,889 lead + galv. lines
- Whiting23,124 lead + galv. lines
- Highland149 lead + galv. lines
- Griffith16 lead + galv. lines
- Gary11,016 lead + galv. lines
- Dyer93 lead + galv. lines
- Schererville20 lead + galv. lines
- New Chicagono lead reported
Check another water system
Questions
Does Hammond, IN have lead pipes?
Yes. Hammond Water Works Department, which serves Hammond, reported 22,380 lead and 744 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines, plus 4,518 of unknown material.
Who supplies water to Hammond?
EPA's service area maps place most of Hammond in Hammond Water Works Department's service area (PWSID IN5245020). East Chicago Water Works also serves parts of the city or nearby areas.
How do I check whether my Hammond home has a lead service line?
Search your address on Hammond Water Works Department'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 Hammond 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 Hammond Water Works Department whether your street is scheduled and whether it covers the private side.