TOWN OF LA PLATA Lead Service Line Inventory
The Town of La Plata serves about 11,535 people in Maryland. Like all US water systems, La Plata is required by federal law to identify and publicly report on lead service lines—the pipes that connect the water main to individual homes.
What is a lead service line?
A lead service line is the underground pipe that carries water from the public water main into your home. Many were installed before 1986, when lead pipes were legal and common. Lead can leach into drinking water, especially if the water is corrosive or if the pipe is old and deteriorating.
What does La Plata's inventory show?
The Town of La Plata has not yet completed a comprehensive inventory of lead service lines in its system. This means the town is still in the process of identifying which homes are served by lead pipes, which are served by safe materials, and which are uncertain.
This is not unusual—many water systems nationwide are still working through their inventories. The deadline for most systems to complete this work is October 2024, with some extensions possible.
What should you do now?
Contact your water utility directly. The Town of La Plata can tell you:
- Whether your specific address is known or suspected to have a lead service line
- What testing or flushing steps they recommend in the meantime
- Whether replacement programs or cost-sharing are available
You can also request your home's service line material from your water bill or meter records—many older documents note this detail.
If you're concerned about lead in your water
The safest approach while inventory work continues:
- Run water cold before drinking or cooking. Let cold water run for 30 seconds to several minutes (longer if the line has been idle). Use this water for plants, not drinking.
- Use cold water for drinking and cooking. Hot water leaches lead faster than cold.
- Get your water tested. La Plata or your county health department can advise on low-cost or free testing.
For health concerns, contact your pediatrician or the CDC's lead hotline at 1-800-CDC-INFO.
Next steps for residents
- Contact the Town of La Plata directly to ask about your home's service line status and what's known so far.
- Request your service line material information from your water bill or utility account records.
- Run cold water before drinking until you know your line status.
- Reach out to your county health department if you want independent water testing or health guidance.
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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 home have a lead service line?
You can find out by contacting the Town of La Plata directly—they have records of service line materials for most homes. You can also check your water bill, meter paperwork, or home deed, which may list the pipe material.
Is lead service line water safe to drink?
Lead can leach into water from corroded lead pipes, especially in homes with corrosive water or older infrastructure. Running cold water first and avoiding hot tap water reduces risk. Get your water tested for lead if you're concerned.
When will La Plata finish its lead service line inventory?
Most water systems were required to complete their inventories by October 2024. Contact the Town of La Plata directly for their current progress and timeline.
What can I do to reduce lead exposure right now?
Run cold water for 30 seconds to a few minutes before drinking or cooking, use cold water for drinking and cooking, and consider getting your water tested. These steps reduce lead risk while the inventory process continues.