Des Moines Neighborhood Urged to Sign Up for Free Lead Pipe Replacement

100 Drake area properties have not yet enrolled in program to remove health risks

Apr. 4, 2026 at 12:21am

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray image showing the internal structure of a lead water pipe, illustrating the unseen public health hazard these pipes pose to the community.An X-ray view exposes the hidden health risks of aging lead water pipes in Des Moines neighborhoods.Des Moines Today

Des Moines Water Works is offering a free program to replace lead service lines in the Drake neighborhood, a low-income area with an estimated 350 eligible homes. However, 100 properties in the targeted zone have not yet signed up, raising concerns about potential future public health issues from the aging lead pipes.

Why it matters

Lead exposure, even at low levels, can have serious health consequences, especially for children. Replacing these lead service lines is a critical step in protecting the community's health and safety. The Drake neighborhood's demographic profile of lower incomes and higher unemployment rates makes it a priority area for this initiative.

The details

The program covers the full cost of replacing the lead pipes that run from the public water main to individual homes. Crews will begin inspecting and replacing pipes in May, starting with the properties that have already enrolled. Des Moines Water Works estimates the total citywide cost to replace all 20,000 lead service lines could reach $200 million.

  • The Drake neighborhood program is part of a federal effort to remove all lead service lines by 2037.
  • Actual pipe replacement work in the Drake area will begin in May 2026.

The players

Des Moines Water Works

The public water utility serving the city of Des Moines, Iowa, which is overseeing the lead pipe replacement program.

Arletta McCoy

The owner of Lady Jerk Soul Food, a small business operating out of a commercial kitchen space in the Drake neighborhood.

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What they’re saying

“That's a blessing that they're doing something about this in the Drake neighborhood.”

— Arletta McCoy, Owner, Lady Jerk Soul Food

“As long as these lead lines are in the ground, they have the potential to create a public health problem in the future.”

— Amy Kahler, CEO, Des Moines Water Works

What’s next

Des Moines Water Works is encouraging all eligible Drake neighborhood residents to contact them at 515-283-8754 or lead@dmww.com to sign up for the free lead pipe replacement program before the work begins in May.

The takeaway

This lead pipe replacement initiative in the Drake neighborhood is a critical public health measure that will protect vulnerable residents, especially children, from the risks of lead exposure. However, more outreach is needed to ensure all eligible homes take advantage of this free service.