IDEM regulates Indiana’s public water systems through inspecting facilities, reviewing reports submitted by water systems, providing technical assistance, and responding to inquiries about water quality.
IDEM requires public water systems to test for lead, and when necessary, take action to educate and protect consumers.
In addition, IDEM works with professional trade associations to ensure operators, local government officials, and property owners have reliable information.
The EPA has set a goal to remove 100% of lead service lines in use. In 2021, U.S. EPA adopted the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) which require public water systems to perform additional actions to better protect communities from exposure to lead in drinking water. One of these actions requires public water systems to complete a Lead Service Line Inventory (LSLI) of all lines in their system, including the portions owned by the utility and the customer. Public water systems in Indiana must submit LSLIs to IDEM by Oct. 16, 2024.
Additional provisions of the LCRR take effect in 2025. These include increased lead testing at schools and childcare facilities connected to public water systems, annual communication by the utility to homes connected to lead service lines, and requirements to remove those lines.
The current version of the LCRR may change before it goes effect. The EPA is expected to announce the final version of Lead and Copper Rule Improvements by Oct. 16, 2024. You can read more about the changes in the Federal Register.
Lead Service Line Inventories
- All community water systems (CWSs) and non-transient non-community water systems (NTNCWSs) must prepare an inventory of ALL service lines (including those not in use) connected to the distribution system.
- IDEM’s Guidance for Developing a Lead Service Line (LSL) Inventory [PDF] and Quick Reference Guide for Lead Service Line Inventories [PDF] will help with inventory planning.
- Funding for your Lead Service Line Inventory may be available through the IFA: Lead Service Line Inventory Funding.
- IDEM and Indiana Finance Authority (IFA) have collaborated with 120Water to finalize a service line inventory spreadsheet [XLSX] for this process. Instructions are provided in the spreadsheet.
- If you already have compiled data, 120Water can assist you in formatting your data to meet IDEM requirements.
- IDEM is working with 120Water to develop a portal to submit your service line inventory data. We will notify you once when the submission portal is available.
- If you have questions, please contact DWBMGR@idem.IN.gov.
Referenced forms are available on the IDEM Agency Forms page.
Lead Service Line Replacement (All Community and Non-transient/Non-community systems)
- State Revolving Fund funding information is available through the Indiana Finance Authority
- Funding for Lead Service Line Replacement | US EPA
General Information About Lead and Drinking Water for All Water Systems
- How Lead Gets into the Water [PDF]
- IDEM Fact Sheets
- Lead and Copper Rule
- Lead and Drinking Water - Information for Consumers
- Drinking Water Watch
- Suggested Directions for Homeowner Tap Sample Collection Procedures [PDF]
- Certified Drinking Water Chemistry Laboratories in Indiana
- Drinking Water Lead Testing for Schools [Video]
- IFA: Lead Sampling Program
- IDEM Agency Forms:
- Consumer Notice of Lead Result in Drinking Water
- Notice of Public Education Certification
- Service Line Inventory Questionnaire [DOC]
- Lead & Copper Sample Site Collection Criteria for Community Water Systems [DOC] [XLS]