Lead Service Lines in Cherokee, MD
About Cherokee MD's water system
Cherokee MD serves about 29,610 residents in Colorado. The system relies on groundwater as its primary source.
Lead service line inventory status
As of now, Cherokee MD has not yet inventoried its lead service lines. This means the utility has not yet conducted a systematic count or survey of how many lead service lines connect homes to the water main in their service area.
Why this matters: Lead service lines are one of the most common sources of lead in drinking water. Even low levels of lead can be harmful, especially to young children and pregnant people. Knowing whether you have a lead service line is the first step toward protecting your household.
What you should do now
If you live in Cherokee MD's service area, your water utility is required by federal law to:
1. Complete an inventory of all service lines and identify which ones are lead 2. Share that inventory with customers 3. Develop a plan to replace lead service lines over time
Until Cherokee MD publishes its inventory, you won't have official confirmation of what material your service line is made from. However, you can still take protective steps.
Contact your water utility
Reach out to Cherokee MD directly and ask:
- When will they complete their lead service line inventory?
- What material is your service line made of? (They may have records even if the inventory isn't public yet.)
- Are there any free or subsidized replacement programs available to residents?
Reduce lead exposure in the meantime
- Run your tap cold: Let water run for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking or cooking, especially if the tap hasn't been used for several hours.
- Use cold water for cooking and drinking: Hot water can leach more lead from pipes.
- Test your water: Some counties offer free or low-cost lead testing. Contact your local health department.
If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your doctor or contact the CDC for guidance on reducing lead exposure.
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Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does my house in Cherokee MD have a lead service line?
Cherokee MD has not yet completed a public inventory, so you'll need to contact the utility directly. They may have service line information in their records. You can also ask a plumber to inspect the line where it enters your home—lead is soft and gray, and a magnet won't stick to it.
Is lead in water dangerous?
Yes. Lead can harm brain development in children and cause serious health problems in anyone. There is no safe level of lead. Contact the CDC or your doctor for specific health guidance.
What should I do while waiting for Cherokee MD's inventory?
Flush your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking or cooking, use cold water for consumption, and consider getting your water tested. Contact your local health department for free or low-cost testing options.
Will Cherokee MD replace my lead service line for free?
That depends on the utility's replacement program, which you can ask about directly. Many systems now offer financial assistance or payment plans. Contact Cherokee MD's customer service to learn what's available in your area.