Lead Service Line Information

What is a service line? 

A service line is the pipe that connects a building's plumbing to the main water supply line, which runs under the street. This line is crucial because it brings water directly from the city’s main water source into homes and buildings. Service lines can be made of various materials, including copper, plastic, or older materials like lead or galvanized steel.

Lead Service Line Notification

In 2021, the United Stated Environmental Protection Agency updated the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions. This rule requires all public water systems to develop an inventory of lead service lines in their communities. Water systems nationwide are required to complete this inventory. If you received a letter, it’s because the City of Ankeny was not able to find written documentation of what the service line material was, either on the street side of the shut off and or the house side.

 View the list of homes in Ankeny.

If you received a letter about lead service lines, here’s what you need to know.

• The City of Ankeny passed an ordinance on July 1,1974, requiring the use of either copper or plastic service lines, effectively banning lead as an option. If your home was constructed after this date you do not have a lead service line. You do not need to do anything further.
• If your home was built before 1974, your home’s service line that connects to the water main may be made from lead or galvanized material. We need your help to identify the type of material your service line is made of to update our files. Please fill out this form so we may update our files. 
• If you need assistance, contact the City of Ankeny via phone at 515-963-3565.

Where can I learn more about the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions?

The Iowa DNR and the US EPA have websites devoted to lead service lines.

• https://www.iowadnr.gov/Environmental-Protection/Water-Quality/Drinking-Water-Compliance/Lead-Service-Line-Inventories .
• https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/lead-service-lines