Des Moines, IA
Lead service line replacement in Des Moines
Updated · Editorial team; not yet technically reviewed
Short answer
Des Moines Water Works is replacing lead service lines free of charge in program areas, starting with about 400 homes in the Drake neighborhood and funded by a $52.6 million state revolving fund loan for 4,600 lines. Confirm with the utility whether and when your address is included before paying for private work.
What's different in Des Moines
Des Moines Water Works is borrowing $52.6 million from the state revolving loan fund to pay for free replacement of about 4,600 lead lines in the metro; about half is forgivable and the rest is repaid from water revenue (news report). [1]
The first phase covers about 400 homes in the Drake neighborhood, estimated at $4 million to $4.8 million (news report). [2]
The broader effort includes replacing 1,000 lead service lines at a cost of $12.1 million (news report). [2]
Inside or outside a program area?
The free work moves area by area, starting near Drake University. If your address is in a program area, Des Moines Water Works schedules the replacement; don't hire your own contractor first. If it isn't, you can wait for future phases or replace the private side yourself with a licensed plumber and a permit. Confirm your line's material and your area with Des Moines Water Works before deciding. The lead service line guide explains how to check the pipe at the meter.
Further reading: How to tell what your pipes are made of.
What Des Moines homeowners usually check next
- SymptomSigns of a hidden leak
- SymptomWater bill suddenly high
- SymptomNo water in the house
Common questions
Is lead line replacement free in Des Moines?
In program areas, yes; Des Moines Water Works replaces lines free under a state-funded program.
Where did the Des Moines program start?
In the Drake neighborhood, with about 400 homes in the first phase.
How is the Des Moines program paid for?
A $52.6 million State Revolving Fund loan, roughly half of it forgivable.
How many lead lines will the program replace?
About 4,600.
Is the Des Moines program only for the city?
Reports describe the 4,600 lines as across the metro; ask Des Moines Water Works about your address.
How much does the Drake first phase cost?
It was estimated at $4 million to $4.8 million for about 400 homes.
How do I check my service line material?
Look at the pipe where it enters the basement and confirm with Des Moines Water Works records.
Should I hire a plumber before my area is scheduled?
Check with the utility first so you don't pay for work it would do free.
What can I do about lead exposure meanwhile?
Flush cold water after it sits and use a filter certified for lead.
Does the program cover interior plumbing?
It covers the service line; interior lead or lead solder is separate.
More plumbing help in Des Moines
How other cities handle it
- Lead service line replacement in ChicagoHow lead water service line replacement works in Chicago: free and fee-waived city programs, who qualifies, what state law requires, and what the job involves.
- Lead service line replacement in DetroitHow Detroit and Michigan law handle lead water service line replacement: who pays, full-line requirements, timelines, and what homeowners should do meanwhile.
- Lead service line replacement in DenverHow Denver Water replaces customer-owned lead service lines with copper at no direct cost, which homes are most likely affected, and what to do while you wait.
- Lead service line replacement in MilwaukeeHow Milwaukee's lead service line rules work: when full replacement is required, what homeowners pay, how to look up your address, and what to do while you wait.
- Lead service line replacement in CincinnatiHow Greater Cincinnati Water Works replaces private lead service lines: who pays, who gets priority, how long the program runs, and how to get started.
- Lead service line replacement in PittsburghPittsburgh Water lead line programs: neighborhood replacements, free income-qualified replacement, plumber reimbursement, and how to apply.
- Lead service line replacement in BostonHow Boston Water and Sewer Commission's free lead service replacement works: free inspection, free replacement, how to check your address, and what to expect.
- Lead service line replacement in ClevelandWhen Cleveland Water replaces your side of a lead line for free, how galvanized pipe is handled, yearly targets, and what to do next.
- Lead service line replacement in St. LouisSt. Louis lead service lines: the city's inventory, why rates can't pay for the private side, grant and loan help, and what owners can do now.
- Lead service line replacement in PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia lead service lines: owner responsibility, free replacement during main work, the free ZIP-code pilot, and 0% HELP loans.
- Water and sewer service line repair in New York CityNYC owners own their water and sewer service lines: DEP 3-day and 30-day notices, the licensed master plumber rule, permits and the $1,000 shutoff fee.
- Water and sewer line repair in New OrleansWho pays for water and sewer service connections in New Orleans: Sewerage and Water Board rules, owner responsibility on post-1954 lots, and Board-caused damage.
- Water service line repair in Kansas CityKC Water service line rules: the City maintains mains to the curb box, owners repair from the curb stop to the house under Ordinance 78-22, and warranty options.
- Lead water service line replacement in Washington, DCLead service lines in Washington, DC: who pays for each side, Block-by-Block replacement of the private side at no cost, and what to do before your block comes up.
- Lead service line replacement in ProvidenceLead service lines in Providence: Providence Water's free private-side replacement for eligible customers, 10-year 0% loans, and the free public-side match.
- Water line leaks in Phoenix: the meter decides who paysWater line leaks in Phoenix: the city repairs the street side of the meter, the owner the rest, and city code makes customers pay for water lost past the meter.
- Water and sewer service lines in CharlotteCharlotte water and sewer service lines: Charlotte Water handles mains to the curb, owners handle the laterals from curb to home, and what that means for leaks.
- Water line leaks in AustinWater line leaks in Austin: Austin Water owns the line to the meter box near the sidewalk, owners own everything past it.
- Water service line leaks in BuffaloBuffalo water service lines: the line from the city main to the house is private, the owner keeps up the curb box and valve, and what Buffalo Water will do for free.
- Lead service lines in Newark after the replacement programNewark replaced its 18,720-plus lead service lines at no cost to residents, funded by city and Essex County bonds. What's left to check in an older Newark home.
- Lead service line replacement in Jersey CityJersey City's Lead Free JC: about 16,000 lead lines to replace by June 2031 at no direct cost, JCMUA contractors or your own with a credit, and the inventory lookup.
- Water service line repair in SeattleSeattle water lines: owners install and maintain the private line from the city union to the house, and how SPU's leak adjustments treat city-side and.
- Water service lines in Fort WorthFort Worth service lines: the city owns the line to and including the meter, owners own the rest, the lead inventory shows no lead lines.
- Houston water service lines: the inventory and 'unknown material' lettersHouston's service line inventory: no lead lines found so far, most lines still listed as unknown, the notices sent to customers, and how to check yours.
- Dallas water service lines and the service line inventoryDallas Water Utilities' service line inventory: how materials were identified, letters to 225,000 unknown lines, and the GIS lookup.
- Water service lines in Los Angeles: no lead foundLADWP's service line inventory found no lead or galvanized-requiring-replacement lines, including customer-owned ones. What that means for LA water line repairs.
- Water service lines in San Antonio: SAWS inventory and free inspectionsSAWS's service line inventory: over half of 600,000 lines unidentified, yearly letters to unknown, lead or galvanized lines, and free inspections for pre-1989 homes.
Sources (2)
- Hola America News · checked 2026-10-03
- WHO 13 · checked 2026-10-03