Lead Service Line Replacement Site

The City of Stewartville is pleased to announce that a Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) grant has been provided to conduct a lead service line inventory, now required of all city water systems. The City of Stewartville has partnered with an engineering firm (SEH Inc.) to conduct an inventory, documenting the location of all lead and galvanized service lines.

A service line is the pipe connecting the water main to the interior plumbing of a building, and it can be made of various materials, including lead – commonly used prior to the 1986 federal ban. There is no safe level of lead and the service line inventory is the first step toward replacing any lead service lines in the City’s water system.

If your home was built before 1985, to help complete this required inventory, you have the option to either self-identify your own service line or allow City and SEH staff to inspect your service line for free.

To self-identify your own service line

Visit our web page at https://arcg.is/1b01jy1 to self-identify your service. Please note that your home/building may not have a water meter so your service line may look slightly different than the photos shown at the web page link.

Follow the instructions to upload your photos and enter the requested information, including your water billing account number (found on your water billing statement or in the letter you received).

Free Inspection

If you would prefer not to self-identify your service line, you can schedule an appointment for the week of September 1, 2025 through October 17, 2025 by visiting our online calendar at https://bit.ly/4mmH7VV.

  • Conducted by a Technician.

  • Appointment lasts approximately 30 minutes.

  • We will need access to the area where the pipe enters the building, usually in a basement or crawl space and near your water meter.

Questions?

For questions related to this program, please contact:

For general questions about the program, contact:

Scroll down to learn more about lead service lines.

Additional Lead Service Line Information

What is a water service line and who owns it?

The water service lines are pipes that carry water from the public water mains in the street into homes/buildings. The public water mains are owned by the City of Stewartville. Individual property owners own the part from the property line to the meter inside the home (private side). Service lines usually enter the home through the basement and are directly connected to the water meter and the interior plumbing of the home.

How does lead get into drinking water?

Water leaves the treatment facility free of lead and travels through water mains that are not made of lead. Water is treated to minimize corrosion, but corrosion may occur when the water gets to an individual lead service line. Lead can get into drinking water from the service line between the street and your property and from the plumbing inside. The City of Stewartville regularly tests drinking water lead levels in accordance with all federal and state drinking water standards. The statewide goal is to replace all lead service lines by 2033.

What are the health effects of Lead?

  • There are no safe exposure levels of lead.

  • Lead exposure can cause damage to the brain and kidneys, and can have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, and nervous system problems.

  • The greatest risk is to infants, young children, and pregnant women.

  • Young children and infants are particularly vulnerable, even low levels of lead in the blood can result in: behavior and learning problems, lower IQ and hyperactivity, slowed growth, hearing problems, and anemia.

How can I reduce my exposure to Lead in water if my home was built before 1986?

  • Let the water run for 3-5 minutes if you have a lead service line. Water sitting in lead pipes will contain more lead than water passing through. Flushing out the system before drinking or cooking lowers exposure.

  •  Hot water releases more lead from pipes than cold. Boiling water does not reduce lead levels and may actually increase them.

  • Use cold water for drinking, cooking, or making baby formula.

  • Clean faucet aerators at least once per month.

  • Treat your water using a pitcher or filtration system that is NSF certified for lead.