CITY OF ANNAPOLIS Lead Service Line Inventory
What you need to know
The City of Annapolis serves about 35,000 people with groundwater. The utility has not yet completed a public inventory of lead service lines.
Lead service lines are pipes that connect the water main in the street to your home. If your home was built before 1986, there's a meaningful chance your service line contains lead—even if your water tastes and looks fine. Lead is invisible, odorless, and tasteless.
Current status
As of now, the City of Annapolis has not published details about:
- How many lead service lines exist in the system
- Which neighborhoods or addresses are affected
- Plans or funding for replacement
- When an inventory will be complete
This is common. Many water systems across the US are still in early stages of lead service line documentation, as federal rules requiring full inventories are relatively new.
Why this matters
Lead can leach into water, especially in homes with older plumbing or where water is corrosive. Exposure is a particular concern for children under 6 and pregnant people. Even low levels of lead in drinking water can affect child development.
Your water utility is required by federal law to inventory all lead service lines and share that information with the public. The timeline for completion varies by system size and state rules.
What you can do now
Contact the City of Annapolis directly. Ask:
- Whether your address has a lead service line
- If they have a map or list you can check
- When they expect to complete their full inventory
- Whether they offer free or reduced-cost testing
In the meantime, you can take low-cost steps to reduce exposure: run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, use cold water for cooking and baby formula, and consider a point-of-use filter certified for lead removal (NSF/ANSI Standard 53).
Next steps for residents
- Contact the City of Annapolis Water Department to ask about your specific address
- Request a copy of the lead service line inventory when it's available
- Consider getting your tap water tested for lead (some utilities offer this free)
- If you have young children or are pregnant, consult your pediatrician or doctor about water safety precautions
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Annapolis water have lead in it?
Lead is not naturally in the water source. However, it can enter your tap water if you have a lead service line connecting your home to the street main. The City of Annapolis has not yet published a complete inventory of which homes have lead lines.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Contact the City of Annapolis Water Department and ask for your address. Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead lines. You can also hire a plumber to inspect your service line, though this requires digging.
Is lead in drinking water dangerous?
Lead exposure is a health concern, especially for children under 6 and pregnant people. Talk to your pediatrician or doctor about your risk. For general guidance, visit the CDC website on lead in drinking water.
When will Annapolis finish its lead service line inventory?
The utility has not announced a public timeline. Federal law requires completion, but deadlines vary by system. Call the City of Annapolis Water Department to ask when they expect to finish and publish results.