SIOUX CITY (KTIV) – Up to 7,300 homes in Sioux City are currently served by lead-based water pipes.

The Environmental Protection Agency says lead exposure can cause a range of health problems; from headaches and hearing problems in children to hypertension and brain damage in adults.

The EPA’s new “Lead and Copper Rule” states that lead water pipes, or galvanized water pipes, must be replaced by 2037.

Tuesday evening, Sioux City homeowners were invited to the Tyson Events Center to learn about the steps needed to replace these service lines, which flow into a home from an exterior water line.

During the presentation and Q&A, homeowners learned that the city has until 2027 to implement a lead pipe replacement plan. The project is still in its infancy and questions remain.

“We are now in the early stages of gathering information on everyone’s service lines, inventory, and collecting that information,” said Kevin Kennedy, water treatment plant manager waste from Sioux City. “Then we will take the next step of trying to come up with an implementation plan, funding and who is responsible for it.”

The EPA’s new “Lead and Copper Rule” only requires replacement of the pipe connecting the water main to the meter. There is no need to replace plumbing inside homes.

For Sioux City residents who want to check if their home could potentially have a lead service line or galvanized service line, click on the link here to be submitted to the City of Sioux City website. Once on the website, click on the link that reads, Iowa Department of Natural Resources Master Service Line Inventory, This will take you to an Excell sheet where you can search for your property.

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