Indiana Nears 100% Lead Service Line Inventory Submissions; Among Nation’s Leaders

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 16, 2026

Indiana Nears 100% Lead Service Line Inventory Submissions; Among Nation's Leaders

INDIANAPOLIS- Indiana water systems have submitted more than 98% of required lead service line inventories, putting the state among national leaders in efforts to reduce exposure to lead and copper in drinking water. Under the U.S. EPA's 2021 Lead and Copper Rule Revisions, public water systems are required to prepare and maintain an inventory of service line materials. The requirement applies to all community water systems and non-transient, non-community water systems.

Of the 1,376 water systems in Indiana, 1,355 have submitted inventories, a significant achievement given the state's size and complexity. Based on available data, Indiana outperforms states with a comparable number of systems. Georgia and Arizona, for example, are currently at 93%.

"Indiana's proactive approach and high submission rate show we're not just meeting federal expectations, we're setting the pace nationally," said IDEM Commissioner Clint Woods. "This milestone reflects the dedication of our water systems and IDEM's commitment to supporting them."

Throughout 2024, IDEM's Drinking Water Branch worked closely with water systems to help them complete and submit their inventories. In coordination with the Indiana Finance Authority (IFA), the team also worked with a contractor to develop an online platform, the Public Water System (PWS) Portal, to streamline inventory submissions for water utilities. The Drinking Water Branch also launched a public-facing site with an interactive map, allowing Hoosiers to view submitted inventories submitted by public water systems. The tool displays service line locations, material types, and relevant contact information for the public water systems.

"We want to thank all the water system operators for their hard work and dedication in completing their service line inventories," said Matt Prater, IDEM's Drinking Water Branch chief. "These inventories are a critical first step in protecting Hoosier families and ensuring safe drinking water for generations to come."

Water systems had until October 2024 to submit inventories to comply with the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions. Under current guidance from the LCRR, utilities with lead lines are required to submit a replacement plan to the state by Nov. 1, 2027, with line replacement to be completed by 2037. IDEM will provide guidance to water utilities should the timelines get adjusted by the U.S. EPA. Funding in the form of grants and loans from the IFA is available to help Indiana water utilities comply with the service line inventory requirements and replace lead lines.

IDEM remains in contact with water utilities that have not yet submitted their inventories to help bring them into compliance with the LCRR. Utilities without submitted inventories are subject to enforcement action from the US EPA.

About IDEM: IDEM (idem.IN.gov ) implements federal and state regulations regarding the environment. Through compliance assistance, incentive programs and educational outreach, the agency encourages and aids businesses and citizens to protect Hoosiers and the environment.