Lead Service Lines in Millsboro, DE
Millsboro's water systems serve about 16,245 residents across 27 different utilities. The largest provider is Millsboro Water Department, which serves roughly 8,568 people in the area.
What we know about lead in Millsboro's water
Lead enters drinking water primarily through lead service lines—the pipes connecting the water main to individual homes. These lines were commonly installed before the 1980s, when the health risks of lead became clear.
Current data shows that none of Millsboro's water systems have reported confirmed lead service lines or galvanized service lines to the state inventory. However, "no data reported" doesn't mean there are no lead lines in the ground—it often means that a full inventory hasn't been completed or made public yet.
Why this matters
Lead is a serious health concern, especially for young children and pregnant people. Even low levels of exposure can affect brain development and learning. If your home was built before 1980 and connected to a public water system, there's a chance your service line contains lead.
The good news: lead in water is preventable through simple steps like flushing your tap, using cold water for drinking and cooking, and installing a certified filter if testing shows lead is present.
Finding out about your specific home
Your water utility can tell you whether your service line is lead, galvanized steel, or copper. The Millsboro Water Department (the largest provider) can answer questions about your property. If you use a smaller system like Allen Harim Foods Inc or one of the Holly Lake Campsites systems, contact that utility directly.
You can also request a free or low-cost water test through Delaware's Division of Public Health, or purchase an affordable test kit yourself.
Next steps for residents
- Contact your water utility (see "Top water systems" section) and ask: "Is my service line made of lead?" Have your address ready.
- If your home was built before 1980, don't wait for inventory data—test your water or request a utility inspection.
- Learn simple steps to reduce exposure: run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, and never boil water to remove lead.
- For health concerns, speak with your pediatrician or contact the CDC's lead hotline at 1-800-CDC-INFO.