Lead service lines in Georgetown, DE
Georgetown serves 13,438 residents through 21 water systems. Currently, there is no reported data on lead service lines in the area—meaning inventories haven't been published yet, not that lead isn't present.
Why this matters
Lead service lines are pipes that connect water mains to homes. When water sits in these pipes overnight or between uses, lead can leach into your drinking water. The EPA and CDC recommend testing if you're unsure about your home's plumbing.
What Georgetown's water systems report
The largest provider, Georgetown Water Department, serves 7,259 residents. Other systems in the area include Sussex Technical School District (1,800 residents), Perdue Foods LLC (1,500), and smaller systems serving workplaces and institutions.
None of these systems have published lead service line inventory data yet. Under federal law (the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions), water utilities must begin inventorying lead and galvanized service lines and share that information with customers by October 2024 and ongoing.
What you can do now
Contact your water utility directly. Ask:
- Does your service line contain lead?
- If unknown, when will they complete their inventory?
- Do they offer free or subsidized testing?
If you rent, contact your landlord or property manager. They're responsible for testing and addressing lead issues.
Test your water if you're concerned. Home lead test kits are available online and at hardware stores. For a more thorough assessment, contact your local health department for certified lab recommendations.
Use a filter if testing shows lead. NSF/ANSI-certified filters rated for lead reduction work at the tap. Whole-home filters are more expensive but cover all water outlets.
Next steps for residents
- Call or email your water utility (Georgetown Water Department is the largest) and ask for their lead service line inventory status.
- If you own your home, consider a water test—especially if your house was built before 1986.
- For health questions about lead exposure, contact your doctor or the CDC's lead hotline: 1-800-CDC-4696.