Lead Service Line Safety – What You Need to Know
Muscatine Power and Water (MPW) is working hard to keep your water safe. New rules from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) ask all water companies in Iowa, including MPW, to find and replace old water pipes made of lead or galvanized metal. These pipes should be replaced with safer materials.
Good news: MPW’s tests for lead regularly, and our water has never reached the EPA’s “action level.” The water leaving our treatment plants is lead-free. We want you to feel confident about the water you get from MPW.
What about pipes from MPW’s water mains to your home? Sometimes, if your pipes, called service lines, are very old, they can let lead into the water after it leaves our water mains. That’s why MPW has a special team ready to help customers replace lead or galvanized service lines at their homes.
Jake Wagg, Project Coordinator
MPW’s Lead Service Line Replacement Program
- Some customers have received letters from MPW about their water pipes.
- In Fall 2025, MPW started Phase 1 of a program to help replace lead and galvanized service lines. If you’re part of Phase 1, we’ll contact you to see if you want to replace your service line with updated, safer material. The letter explains timing and costs.
- If you already plan to replace your lead or galvanized service lines, please let Jake Wagg, MPW Project Coordinator, know at 563-262-3427. This helps us keep our records up to date.
- If you have questions about the special replacement program or want to update us about your service line, contact:
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- Jake Wagg, MPW Project Coordinator: 563-262-3427
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MPW is dedicated to the well-being of our community, water safety, and quality.
Facts About Lead
(This is not an exhaustive list of all related facts. Please visit the EPA Website for more information.)
- Lead is a metal found in nature. It used to be used in things like paint and gasoline.
- Lead can build up in the environment and sometimes gets into water through old pipes.
- If your home has lead or galvanized pipes, there’s a chance lead could get into your drinking water.
Health Effects of Lead
- Lead in drinking water can be harmful to everyone, especially babies and children. It can affect learning and behavior.
- Adults exposed to lead may have higher risks for heart problems, high blood pressure, kidney issues, or nerve problems.
What You Can Do If You Have Lead or Galvanized Service Lines
Here are some simple steps you can take to lower the chance of lead in your water:
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- Use a certified water filter: Make sure it’s installed and maintained correctly. For more info, check the EPA’s website.
- Clean your faucet’s aerator: This is the small screen at the end of your faucet. Cleaning it helps remove any particles.
- Use cold water for drinking and cooking: Hot tap water can pick up more lead from pipes. Boiling water does not remove lead.
- Run your water: Let the water run for a bit before using it, especially if it’s been sitting in the pipes.
Other Resources
- Contact the Muscatine Public Health Department at 563-263-0122, or the state health department if you have concerns about the health issues caused by lead.
- For more information about reducing lead exposure from drinking water and the health effects of lead, visit the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Does Muscatine have a lead problem?
No. Water from MPW is lead-free when it leaves our plant. If you want your home’s water tested, MPW can help. Call our Water Department at 563-262-3363.
Who keeps records of my service line material?
Homeowners own their service lines and keep records. MPW is collecting information about service line materials as part of this project.
I think I have lead or galvanized pipes. What should I do?
Call our Water Department at 563-262-3363 to schedule a free inspection.
Can I have my water tested for lead?
Yes! Contact our Water Department at 563-262-3363. You can also use a certified lab. Remember, a single water sample might not show all sources of lead. For more info, visit the EPA’s website. For more info, visit the EPA’s website.
How do I know if my service line needs to be replaced?
MPW has sent letters to some customers. We may also visit homes or call if we don’t know what kind of pipes you have. We’ll let you know what to do next.
What if I plan to replace my lead service lines now?
Let Jake Wagg at MPW know at 563-262-3427 so we can update our records.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
For questions about the Lead Service Line Replacement Program, call MPW Project Coordinator, Jake Wagg at 563-262-3427.
MPW is here to help you every step of the way. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to our Water Department at
563-262-3363. Our goal is to make sure your water is safe and your experience is easy and worry-free.