DEWEY BEACH WATER DEPARTMENT Lead Service Line Inventory
Dewey Beach Water Department serves approximately 31,000 residents in Delaware. Like all public water systems in the US, it is required to maintain an inventory of lead service lines—the pipes that may connect your home to the public water main.
What you need to know
A lead service line is a water pipe made of lead or lead-containing solder that runs from the public water main under the street to your home. Lead can leach into drinking water, especially in homes with older plumbing or when water sits in pipes overnight.
Current inventory status: Dewey Beach Water Department has not yet reported completing a lead service line inventory to the EPA. This doesn't necessarily mean your home has a lead service line—it means the utility is still in the process of documenting which properties have them.
Why this matters
Under the Lead and Copper Rule, water utilities must identify lead service lines and create plans to replace them. The EPA has set deadlines for this work. An incomplete or unreported inventory suggests the utility may still be surveying properties, pulling records, or conducting field inspections.
If you live in Dewey Beach, your home may or may not have a lead service line. The only way to know for certain is to contact your water utility or have a plumber inspect the line on your property (your water bill may also indicate the pipe material).
If you're concerned about lead in your water
The CDC recommends that families with young children and pregnant women take precautions. These include flushing the line before drinking or cooking, using a certified water filter, or having your water tested. For health questions, speak with your pediatrician or contact the Delaware Division of Public Health.
Next steps for residents
- Contact Dewey Beach Water Department to ask if your address is known to have a lead service line and what the utility's timeline is for completing its inventory.
- Request your water test results if you've had your water tested for lead.
- Have a plumber inspect the pipe entering your home if you want to know the material now, rather than wait for utility outreach.
- Use a certified lead filter on your kitchen tap if you're pregnant, have young children, or are nursing while waiting for more information.
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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
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Contact your water utility directly—they maintain records of pipe materials. You can also hire a plumber to inspect the line where it enters your home. A magnet test won't work; visual inspection or utility records are the only reliable ways.
Is my water safe to drink if I have a lead service line?
It depends on your home's specific conditions. Lead leaches more readily in acidic water or when water sits in pipes for hours. Flush your line before drinking, use a certified filter, or have your water tested. Contact the Delaware Division of Public Health or your pediatrician if you're concerned about health effects.
What should I do if Dewey Beach says they haven't finished their inventory?
Ask when they expect to complete it and whether they can tell you your property's status now. In the meantime, you can take precautions like flushing your line, using a filter, or having your water tested.
When will lead service lines be replaced?
Utilities must complete their inventories first, then develop and begin replacement plans. Ask Dewey Beach Water Department about their timeline and whether you qualify for replacement funding, which may be available through federal grants.