LeadPipeLookup

State overview

Lead service lines in Maryland

Aggregated lead pipe inventory data for all 3,167 public water systems in Maryland, serving approximately 6,059,300 residents.

Last verified from EPA SDWIS: 2026-04-14
Water systems
3,167
Population served
6,059,300
Known lead lines
0
Unknown material
0

Lead Service Lines in Maryland

What you need to know

Maryland serves about 6 million people through 3,167 water systems. Right now, the state has not publicly reported the total number of lead service lines in its inventory—this data is still being collected and verified by individual water utilities.

Lead service lines are pipes that connect your home to the main water line under the street. If your home was built before 1986, there's a higher chance your connection contains lead. Even if lead is present, it doesn't automatically mean your water is unsafe—but it's worth checking.

Maryland's largest water systems

The six largest utilities in Maryland serve nearly 4.3 million residents:

  • Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (1.9 million people)
  • City of Baltimore (1.6 million people)
  • Glen Burnie-Broadneck (290,606 people)
  • Howard County D.P.W. Distribution (286,158 people)
  • Harford County D.P.W. (104,567 people)
  • City of Hagerstown (92,200 people)

Each utility is required by federal law to maintain an inventory of lead service lines and make it available to the public. The details vary—some systems may have completed their surveys, while others are still in progress.

Finding your water system's inventory

Your water utility is the best source for information about lead in your area. Contact them directly to ask:

  • Does your address have a lead service line?
  • When was their inventory last updated?
  • What testing or replacement programs do they offer?

Most utilities have this information online or can provide it by phone. You can also check the U.S. EPA's Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) for your utility's most recent lead and copper testing results.

If lead is in your service line

A lead service line doesn't mean lead is in your drinking water right now. The amount of lead that enters water depends on many factors—how long water sits in the pipe, the pH and temperature of the water, and the condition of the pipe's interior.

If you're concerned about your family's water, ask your utility about free or low-cost testing. The CDC recommends that families with young children, pregnant women, or nursing mothers be especially cautious.

Next steps for residents

  • Contact your water utility and ask for their lead service line inventory. Use the utility list above to find the right phone number, or search online for "[Your City] water department."
  • Ask if your address is on the inventory. If it's unknown, request sampling or a physical inspection.
  • Consider a water test through your utility or a certified lab if you want baseline data about your tap water.
  • Review your utility's lead replacement or mitigation programs to understand what assistance may be available.

Largest public water systems in Maryland

UtilityPWSIDPopulationKnown leadUnknown
WASHINGTON SUBURBAN SANITARY COMMISSIONMD01500051,900,000——
CITY OF BALTIMOREMD03000021,600,000——
GLEN BURNIE-BROADNECKMD0020017290,606——
HOWARD COUNTY D.P.W. DISTRIBUTIONMD0130002286,158——
HARFORD COUNTY D.P.W.MD0120016104,567——
CITY OF HAGERSTOWNMD021001092,200——
WALDORF - CHARLES COUNTY DPWMD008004984,296——
NEW DESIGN - FREDERICK COUNTYMD010003074,911——
CROFTON-ODENTONMD002000862,986——
FORT GEORGE G. MEADEMD002001262,234——
CITY OF FREDERICKMD010001554,000——
CITY OF ROCKVILLEMD015000352,000——
LEXINGTON PARKMD018000743,030——
CITY OF WESTMINSTERMD006001535,256——
CITY OF ANNAPOLISMD002000135,000——
CITY OF SALISBURYMD022000430,343——
TOWN OF OCEAN CITYMD023000330,000——
CITY OF CUMBERLANDMD001000827,039——
BROAD CREEKMD002000426,033——
CITY OF BOWIEMD016000225,000——
FREEDOM DISTRICTMD006000224,867——
MGM NATIONAL HARBORMD116004924,000——
PATUXENT NAVAL AIR STATION (NAVFAC-WASH)MD018002222,000——
CITY OF ABERDEENMD012000118,006——
EASTON UTILITIESMD020000317,357——

Cities in Maryland

More on lead pipes in Maryland

Frequently asked about lead pipes in Maryland

How do I know if my house has a lead service line in Maryland?

Contact your local water utility directly and ask them to check their lead service line inventory for your address. You can also look at your home's age (pre-1986 homes are higher risk) and the color of the pipe where it enters your house—lead is soft and gray, while copper is reddish and steel is silver. Your utility can provide the most reliable answer.

Is Baltimore's water safe to drink if there are lead pipes?

The City of Baltimore regularly tests tap water for lead and publishes results. Lead in pipes doesn't automatically mean lead in your water. If you want to know your home's specific risk, contact Baltimore's water department and ask about testing your tap water at home.

What should I do if my water test shows lead?

First, contact your water utility to report the result and ask about next steps. For health concerns, talk to your pediatrician or doctor. The CDC and EPA have guidance on reducing exposure while you address the problem, such as flushing your tap or using filtered water for drinking and cooking.

Does Maryland help pay to replace lead service lines?

Some Maryland utilities and counties offer assistance programs, but they vary by location. Contact your local water utility to ask about lead line replacement programs, grants, or low-interest loans available in your area.