REHOBOTH BEACH WATER DEPARTMENT Lead Service Line Inventory
Rehoboth Beach Water Department serves approximately 25,000 people in Delaware. Like all US water utilities, it is required by federal law to inventory lead service lines (the pipes that connect your home to the main water line) and share that information with the public.
What we know right now
The water department draws from groundwater sources. However, the department has not yet publicly reported an inventory of lead service lines on file with state regulators. This does not mean your home is safe or unsafe—it means the data either hasn't been compiled, submitted to the state, or made public yet.
Why this matters
Lead service lines can leach lead into drinking water, especially in older homes or when water is acidic or sits in pipes overnight. Even low levels of lead exposure can affect children's development. If you live in an older neighborhood (pre-1980s construction), your home is more likely to have a lead service line.
What you should do
Contact Rehoboth Beach Water Department directly to ask:
- Whether your specific address has a lead service line
- If they have a lead service line inventory available
- What steps they're taking to identify and replace lead lines
- Whether they offer free or subsidized testing
In the meantime, you can reduce exposure by:
- Running cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking (especially if water has sat in pipes)
- Using cold water for drinking and cooking (hot water dissolves lead faster)
- Having your water tested by a certified lab
If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your pediatrician or doctor about lead testing.
Next steps for residents
- Call the water department and ask about lead service lines at your address
- Request a copy of their lead service line inventory, if available
- Get your water tested by a certified lab (the water department can often recommend one)
- Consider a point-of-use filter certified to remove lead while you wait for more information
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Contact Rehoboth Beach Water Department—they can look up your address in their records. You can also ask for a free or low-cost water test, which will show if lead is present in your home.
Is lead in drinking water dangerous?
Yes, especially for children and pregnant people. Even small amounts can affect development. Talk to your doctor or call the CDC for specific health concerns (1-800-CDC-INFO).
What should I do if I'm worried about lead in my water right now?
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, use only cold water for drinking and cooking, and get your water tested. A water filter certified to remove lead can also help while you investigate further.
Is the water department required to have a lead inventory?
Yes—federal law requires all utilities to inventory lead service lines and make that information available. If Rehoboth Beach hasn't published theirs yet, ask them when it will be available.