Water Quality & Vintage Homes: What Twin Cities Homeowners Should Know

August is National Water Quality Month—a timely reminder to check in on one of your home’s most essential features: your water. For homeowners in St. Paul and Minneapolis, especially those living in beautiful older homes, it’s worth taking a closer look at what’s flowing through your pipes.

Why Water Quality Deserves Your Attention

While both cities provide clean, treated water, the plumbing inside vintage homes can tell a different story. Homes built before the 1950s often have lead service lines or galvanized steel pipes—materials that were once standard but are now known to pose potential health risks.

A Common Concern for Buyers

A frequent question I hear from buyers considering a vintage home is, “Does it have lead pipes?” It’s a valid concern—especially for families with young children or anyone prioritizing health and wellness. Knowing the age and material of your pipes can bring peace of mind and help guide next steps for maintenance or updates.

What Vintage Homeowners Should Know

• Lead service lines were used until the 1940s and may still be in place in many neighborhoods.

• Galvanized steel pipes, popular mid-century, can corrode over time and may trap particles from lead plumbing.

• Rusty or discolored water may indicate pipe deterioration or sediment buildup, both common in older systems.

What You Can Do

1. Check your service line

• Perform a simple scratch test to help identify if your service line is lead. Watch this helpful how-to video: How to Check for Lead Pipes – Scratch Test
• St. Paul residents: Use this interactive map to see if your home may be affected: SPRWS Service Line Map
• Minneapolis residents: Check your home’s status here: Minneapolis Lead Service Line Map

2. Request a free water test kit

• St. Paul: Lead-Free SPRWS Program

• Minneapolis: Water Lead Test Kit Program

3. Use a certified water filter—NSF-certified filters designed to remove lead are an affordable and effective solution. Even if your home has lead pipes, these filters can make your water safe to drink immediately.

4. Plan for long-term updates—pipe replacements can enhance both safety and property value. Both Minneapolis and Saint Paul offer assistance for lead pipe replacement (if you want your water line replaced ASAP) and have long-term plans in place to replace lead pipes at no cost to homeowners.

👉 Learn more about local lead pipe replacement programs:

• St. Paul: Lead-Free SPRWS

• Minneapolis: Lead Service Line Replacement Project

You Can Still Love—and Live Safely in—Your Vintage Home

Worried about lead pipes? Don’t be. While long-term pipe replacement is ideal, certified water filtration systems offer a fast, inexpensive way to protect your health. With just a bit of proactive care, you can enjoy all the charm of your vintage home with the safety and comfort you expect.

If you’re unsure where to start or just want a second opinion, I’m here to help every step of the way—because every homeowner should feel confident and safe in the home they love.