Indiana · population 103,713
Lead pipes in South Bend, IN
28,038 lead or galvanized lines to replace
Most of South Bend (population 103,713) gets its water from South Bend Water Works. That system reported 27,001 lead and 1,037 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines out of 48,940, with 10,572 more of unknown material.
57% of South Bend 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 55%
- Galvanized (replace) 2.1%
- Unknown 22%
- Non-lead 21%
Latest lead test for South Bend Water Works (Jan 2023–Dec 2025): 4.7 ppb 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 South Bend Water Works.
Water systems serving South Bend
| Water system | Lead | Galv. | Unknown | % lead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Bend Water WorksMain system | 27,001 | 1,037 | 10,572 | 57% |
| University of Notre DameServes nearby areas | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0% |
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 South Bend
The counts above cover the whole water system. To see whether your line is lead, look up your address on South Bend 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
- Mishawaka4,811 lead + galv. lines
- Osceolano lead reported
- Bristol5 lead + galv. lines
- La Porte538 lead + galv. lines
- Goshenno lead reported
- Kingsford Heights89 lead + galv. lines
- Long Beachno lead reported
- Trail Creek2 lead + galv. lines
Check another water system
Questions
Does South Bend, IN have lead pipes?
Yes. South Bend Water Works, which serves South Bend, reported 27,001 lead and 1,037 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines, plus 10,572 of unknown material.
Who supplies water to South Bend?
EPA's service area maps place most of South Bend in South Bend Water Works's service area (PWSID IN5271014). University of Notre Dame also serves parts of the city or nearby areas.
How do I check whether my South Bend home has a lead service line?
Search your address on South Bend 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 South Bend 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 South Bend Water Works whether your street is scheduled and whether it covers the private side.