Lead service lines in Annapolis, MD

Lead service lines are underground pipes that connect homes to the public water main. If your home was built before the 1980s, there's a possibility yours contains lead—even if your water tastes and looks fine. Lead has no taste, smell, or color.

What we know about Annapolis

About 58,395 people in Annapolis are served by 90 different water systems. The largest is the City of Annapolis water system, which serves approximately 35,000 residents. Other notable systems include the U.S. Naval Academy (8,700 people), I-70 Rest Areas (2,000 people), Greenbrier State Park (1,150 people), and Key School (820 people).

Current lead service line inventory status: The water systems serving Annapolis have not yet publicly reported the number of lead service lines in their networks. This doesn't mean lead isn't present—most older systems nationwide do have some lead lines. It means the data either hasn't been compiled, tested, or made public yet.

Why this matters

The EPA requires all public water systems to test for lead and provide results to customers. Under the Lead and Copper Rule, utilities must locate and inventory lead service lines by specific deadlines. Many are still working through this process.

Lead exposure, even at low levels over time, can affect children's learning and behavior. For this reason, if you live in an older home, it's worth knowing your service line material.

How to find out about your service line

Contact your water utility directly. They maintain records about what's buried under your street and may have information about your specific property. The City of Annapolis water system is the primary provider for most residents—start there.

You can also request your utility's Lead and Copper Rule report, which they're required to produce annually. These reports sometimes include maps or lists showing where lead lines are known to exist.

Reducing exposure while you investigate

If you're concerned about lead in your water right now, the CDC recommends:

• Running cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking (to flush the line)
• Using cold water for drinking and cooking (hot water holds onto lead more easily)
• Considering a certified water filter if you want extra assurance

If you have young children or are pregnant, contact your pediatrician or doctor for guidance specific to your situation.

Next steps for residents

• Call the City of Annapolis water utility and ask whether your address has a lead service line or if records are available.
• Request the annual Lead and Copper Rule report from your water system—it's public information.
• Ask about free or subsidized testing if your utility offers it; many do.
• Get your water tested by a certified lab if you want to know your current lead levels.

```json [ { "q": "How do I know if my house in Annapolis has a lead service line?", "a": "Contact the City of Annapolis water utility or your water provider—they keep records of what's buried under your street. You can also request your utility's annual Lead and Copper Rule report, which may include information about lead lines in your area." }, { "q": "Is lead in Annapolis water a big problem?", "a": "Lead service lines are common in older cities, and Annapolis has many homes built before the 1980s when lead pipes were standard. Current inventory data isn't yet public, but the risk exists. Testing your water and knowing your service line material are smart steps." }, { "q": "Can I get my water tested for lead in Annapolis?", "a": "Yes. Contact the City of Annapolis water utility to ask if they offer free or low-cost testing. You can also hire a certified lab independently. A simple test costs $20–50 and tells you what's in your water right now." }, { "q": "What should