CITY OF FREDERICK Lead Service Line Inventory
About Your Water System
The City of Frederick serves approximately 54,000 people in Maryland. Like many older cities, Frederick's water infrastructure includes pipes installed over many decades—some of which may contain lead.
This page explains what we know about lead service lines (the pipes connecting the public water main to your home) in Frederick's system, and what you can do about them.
What We Know Right Now
The City of Frederick has not yet completed a comprehensive inventory of lead service lines in its system. This means we don't have current data on how many homes may be affected or what the status of replacement efforts is.
This is not unusual. Federal rules requiring water systems to inventory lead service lines were finalized in 2021, with compliance deadlines extending through 2024 and beyond. Many systems are still completing their surveys.
Why This Matters
Lead in drinking water comes primarily from corroded or deteriorating pipes and plumbing fixtures—not from the source water itself. Even small amounts of lead can harm children's brain development and learning. There is no safe level of lead exposure.
If your home was built before the 1980s, there's a higher chance your service line contains lead. Older homes are more likely to have galvanized steel or lead pipes.
What You Can Do Right Now
Contact the City of Frederick directly. They can tell you:
- Whether your specific address has a known lead service line
- Whether your service line has been tested or inventoried
- What replacement or treatment programs are available
- Whether your home qualifies for funding assistance
Get your water tested. A simple lead test costs $20–50 and takes a few days. Contact Frederick's water department or a certified lab for instructions.
Use interim protection steps while you learn more:
- Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking
- Use cold water only for drinking and cooking (hot water dissolves lead faster)
- Clean aerators on faucets regularly
Next Steps for Residents
- Call the City of Frederick water department to ask about your service line and available testing or replacement programs.
- Get your water tested through a certified lab or your local health department.
- Check the CDC website for evidence-based guidance on reducing lead exposure in the home.
- Ask about funding — federal and state grants may cover partial or full replacement costs for eligible households.
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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 Frederick have lead in the water?
Lead isn't naturally in the source water, but can come from corroded pipes and plumbing. Frederick hasn't yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines. Contact the city directly to find out if your home's service line has been tested.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
The City of Frederick can tell you based on your address. You can also get a water test (usually $20–50) through a certified lab, or contact the city's water department for guidance. Homes built before 1980 are at higher risk.
Is lead service line replacement expensive?
Replacement typically costs $2,000–$5,000 per line, but federal and state grants may cover part or all of the cost. The City of Frederick should have information about programs you may qualify for.
What should I do if I'm worried about lead in my tap water?
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, use only cold water for cooking, and get your water tested. If you have young children, talk to your pediatrician. The CDC has detailed guidance on reducing lead exposure at home.