East Chicago, IN · PWSID IN5245012
East Chicago Water Works lead service lines
3,889 lead or galvanized lines to replace
East Chicago Water Works reported 1,732 lead and 2,157 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines out of 7,061 in its inventory. That's 55% of all its lines. Another 1,716 (24%) are still listed as unknown material.
Ranks #8 of 232 Indiana systems with confirmed lead lines, and #130 nationally.
55% of East Chicago Water Works's service lines are lead or galvanized requiring replacement. That's 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%
Total service lines reported: 7,061. Reported all required service line types. Population served: 26,370; 7,000 connections.
Lead test results
East Chicago Water Works's most recent 90th-percentile lead result (Jan 2022–Dec 2024) was 8 ppb, 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 4,076 in 2025 Q1 to 3,889 in 2026 Q3: down 187 (4.6%). Lines of unknown material went from 3,496 to 1,716, down 1,780 (51%).
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 1 Lead and Copper Rule violation since 2015 for East Chicago Water Works. Health-based violations are treatment failures, such as corrosion control or public education; the rest are missed monitoring or reporting.
| Began | Violation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 2024 | Lead consumer notice not delivered or reported | Returned to compliance |
Source: EPA SDWIS violation records for the Lead and Copper Rule.
Where the water comes from
East Chicago Water Works's main water source is surface water (rivers, lakes or reservoirs).
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 East Chicago 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 Lake County
Cities served
ZIP codes served
ZIP codes whose center falls inside East Chicago Water Works's mapped service area (EPA service area boundaries). Neighboring utilities may serve parts of the same ZIP.
46312
Other water systems nearby
| System | Lead + galv. | Unknown |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana American Water - Northwest | 11,016 | 36,484 |
| Hammond Water Works Department | 23,124 | 4,518 |
| Crown Point Water Works | 199 | 2,563 |
| Schererville Water Department | 20 | 12,526 |
| Highland Water Works | 149 | 7,787 |
| Dyer Water Department | 93 | 321 |
| Indiana American Water - Lowell | 26 | 2,700 |
| Whiting Water Department | 103 | 1,316 |
Check another water system
Questions
Does East Chicago Water Works have lead pipes?
Yes. East Chicago Water Works reported 1,732 lead service lines and 2,157 galvanized lines that must be replaced, out of 7,061 total. 1,716 more are of unknown material.
How do I check if my home's service line is lead?
Look up your address on East Chicago 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 East Chicago 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 East Chicago Water Works had lead violations?
EPA's data shows 1 Lead and Copper Rule violation since 2015 for East Chicago 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, "East Chicago Water Works lead service lines," https://leadpipemap.com/in/east-chicago-water-works/. Source: EPA SDWIS service line inventory, 2026 Q3. Download the full dataset on the data page.