Lead Service Line Inventory: City of Aberdeen, Maryland
The City of Aberdeen serves about 18,000 people in Maryland. Like many older cities, some homes here may be connected to the water system through lead service lines—pipes that can release lead into drinking water, especially in homes built before 1986.
What is a lead service line?
A lead service line is the pipe that carries water from the water main (the large pipe under the street) into your home. If your home was built before the mid-1980s, there's a chance your service line contains lead. Even "old" pipes that look like metal might be lead or galvanized steel (which can also pose risks).
Lead is a neurotoxin. Even small amounts in drinking water—especially for children and pregnant people—can affect brain development and learning. There is no safe level of lead in children's blood.
What does Aberdeen know about lead service lines?
The City of Aberdeen has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines in its system. This means the utility does not yet have a count of how many homes are served by lead pipes, how many are safe, or how many are unknown.
Under the Lead and Copper Rule, all water systems must inventory their lead service lines by specific federal deadlines. Aberdeen is working toward this requirement, though the status of that work is not yet publicly available on this site.
What you can do now
Test your water if you're concerned. Home lead tests are affordable and available at hardware stores or through your local health department.
Contact the City of Aberdeen directly to ask:
- Does your utility know whether your specific service line contains lead?
- What's the timeline for completing a full inventory?
- Are there any utility-funded replacement programs available?
The utility's water department can often tell you whether your neighborhood was built in a high-risk era and connect you with testing or replacement resources.
Reduce lead exposure while you wait: run cold tap water for 30 seconds before drinking if it's been sitting, use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves lead faster), and consider a certified lead-removal filter if you're in a high-risk area.
Next steps for residents
- Contact the City of Aberdeen Water Department to ask about your service line status and available assistance programs
- Request a water test through Aberdeen's utility or your county health department
- Learn more from the EPA at epa.gov/lead about testing, treatment, and replacement options
- Talk to your pediatrician if you have children under 6 or are pregnant—they may recommend additional precautions
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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 the City of Aberdeen water department with your address—they may have records. You can also hire a plumber to inspect the line where it enters your home, or have your water tested for lead. Homes built before 1986 are at higher risk.
Is lead in Aberdeen's water system right now?
The City of Aberdeen is still completing its inventory, so there's no public count yet of lead service lines. The best way to know your home's risk is to contact the utility or test your water.
What should I do if I'm worried about lead?
Get your water tested (usually under $50), let tap water run 30 seconds before drinking if it's been sitting, and use cold water for drinking and cooking. If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your doctor.
Does Aberdeen offer help replacing lead service lines?
The City of Aberdeen's replacement assistance program details are not yet listed here. Contact the utility directly at their water department to ask about grants, loans, or cost-sharing programs.