Older homes in Minneapolis may still be connected to the water system by lead service lines, which can allow small amounts of lead to enter drinking water. Even low levels of lead exposure can affect health—particularly for children and pregnant people—by impacting brain development and the nervous system.
The City of Minneapolis has created an online Lead Service Line Map where residents can check whether their property may still have a lead line and learn about replacement projects underway across the city. You can explore the map and search your address here:
https://www.minneapolismn.gov/resident-services/utility-services/water/water-quality/water-quality-lead/plumbing-faucets/lead-service-line-map/
The site also lists active replacement projects by neighborhood. For example, lead service lines are currently being replaced as part of sewer upgrades on Aldrich Ave S between 27th and 32nd Streets.
If homeowners choose to replace their service line independently, the cost is typically around $10,000. The City allows this cost to be assessed to your property taxes at a low interest rate to make the work more manageable.
Because service lines run from the water main to individual homes, they are considered private property, meaning their replacement cannot be funded through water utility fees. Doing so would roughly double utility bills citywide.
Citywide, it is estimated that about $1 billion will be needed to remove all remaining lead service lines before the state goal of 2033 or the federal EPA requirement of 2037. Current state funding is expected to run out by the end of this year, though proposed legislation would add $250 million in additional funding. Conservation Minnesota is encouraging residents to contact their legislators in support of this funding.
Conservation Minnesota recently hosted a webinar about lead service lines and the replacement effort. See the recording here: https://youtu.be/yuFHCKNyBhk?si=9aBVlF1GOfbHAhrB
