Lead Service Lines in Baltimore, MD
What you need to know
About 1.6 million people rely on water systems in the Baltimore area. Lead service lines—the pipes that connect your home to the main water line under the street—can leach lead into drinking water, especially in older homes and buildings.
The good news: Baltimore's water systems have not yet reported confirmed lead service lines in their inventories. However, inventories are still being completed across the nation, and many systems are still identifying and mapping their pipes. The absence of reported lead lines does not mean none exist—it often means the data is still being gathered.
Who supplies your water?
The City of Baltimore serves roughly 1.6 million residents and is the primary water utility for the region. Several smaller systems also operate in the area, including Johns Hopkins University and Johns Hopkins Hospital.
What are lead service lines?
Lead service lines are the metal pipes that carry water from the main water line in the street into your home. They were commonly installed before the 1980s, especially in cities built in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Lead can dissolve into water as it sits in these pipes, particularly if the water is corrosive or if the pipe is old and corroded.
Finding out about your home
Your water utility can tell you whether your home has a lead service line. You'll need your street address and account number (usually on your water bill). Utilities are required to make this information available to customers—many now offer online lookup tools or will tell you over the phone.
If your utility cannot confirm your service line material, assume it may contain lead or galvanized steel (which can also carry lead) if your home was built before 1986.
Reducing your risk right now
- Use cold water for drinking and cooking. Lead dissolves more readily in hot water.
- Run the tap for 30 seconds before filling a cup. Water sitting in pipes overnight accumulates more lead.
- Consider a certified pitcher or faucet filter if you want extra reassurance while waiting for testing results.
- Get your water tested if you're concerned. Your utility can recommend certified labs.
Next steps for residents
- Contact your water utility to ask about your service line material or find an online lookup tool
- Request a free or low-cost water test from your utility or local health department
- If you have young children or are pregnant, discuss any concerns with your pediatrician or doctor (see CDC guidance on lead and health)
- Learn about lead line replacement programs in your area—some offer financial assistance
---
```json [ { "q": "How do I know if my home in Baltimore has a lead service line?", "a": "Contact the City of Baltimore water utility with your address and account number—they can tell you what material your service line is made of, or help you look it up online. If your home was built before 1986, it's safer to assume lead or galvanized steel until confirmed otherwise." }, { "q": "Is Baltimore water safe to drink?", "a": "Baltimore's water systems have not reported confirmed lead service lines in their current inventories. That said, if you live in an older home, your individual service line could still contain lead. You can get your water tested for free or low-cost through your utility or local health department." }, { "q": "What should I do if I'm worried about lead in my tap water?", "a": "Run the tap for 30 seconds before drinking, use cold water for cooking and drinking, and consider a certified pitcher or faucet filter. Contact your utility to request a water test, and talk to your doctor or the CDC if you have health concerns." }, { "q": "Can I get my lead service line replaced?", "a": "Yes. Some utilities and local programs offer free or subsidized replacement. Contact the City of Baltimore