Denver, CO
Lead service line replacement in Denver
Updated · Editorial team; not yet technically reviewed
Short answer
In Denver Water's service area, customer-owned lead service lines are being replaced with copper lines at no direct cost to the customer through the Lead Reduction Program. Homes built before 1951 are the most likely to have one, and Denver Water notifies customers it identifies. Enrolled households get water filter pitchers to use until six months after their line is replaced.
What's different in Denver
Denver Water's Lead Reduction Program had replaced more than 22,000 customer-owned lead service lines with lead-free copper lines, at no direct cost to customers, as of March 2024.
Source: Denver Water, Denver Water passes 22,000 lead service lines replaced (March 15, 2024)
Denver Water estimated 64,000 to 84,000 customer-owned lead service lines in its service area when the program started in January 2020.
Source: Denver Water, Denver Water passes 22,000 lead service lines replaced (March 15, 2024)
In Denver Water's experience, homes built before 1951 are more likely to have lead service lines, and the utility notifies customers whose homes are identified as having a possible lead line.
Source: Denver Water, Lead Service Lines
The program also adjusts the water's pH to reduce lead release and provides free water pitchers, filters and replacement filters until six months after a home's lead line is replaced.
Source: Denver Water, What is Denver Water's Lead Reduction Program?
What the replacement involves
Notification
Denver Water contacts homes in its inventory of known and suspected lead lines, typically when work is scheduled in the area.
Consent
The owner signs a consent form so crews can work on the customer-owned portion of the line on private property.
Replacement
Crews replace the line from the main to the home with copper, usually in a day, using small excavations where possible.
Flushing and filters
After the work, flush the plumbing as instructed and keep using the provided filter for drinking and cooking for six months.
When you still need a plumber
- The service line leaks or breaks before the program reaches your street. See water line repair.
- Interior plumbing needs work after the new line is connected, such as a failing main shutoff valve or old galvanized pipe inside the house.
- You live outside Denver Water's service area. Suburban utilities run their own lead programs, so check with your water provider.
For how water line repair works anywhere (methods, trade-offs and prevention), see our main water line repair guide.
Common questions
Does Denver Water charge homeowners to replace a lead service line?
Denver Water replaces customer-owned lead service lines through its Lead Reduction Program at no direct cost to the customer.
How do I know if my Denver home has a lead service line?
Homes built before 1951 are the most likely. Denver Water keeps an inventory of known and suspected lead lines and notifies affected customers.
Is Denver tap water safe while I wait for replacement?
Denver Water adjusts water chemistry to reduce lead release and provides filter pitchers to enrolled customers for drinking and cooking until six months after replacement.