HOWARD COUNTY D.P.W. DISTRIBUTION Lead Service Line Inventory

HOWARD COUNTY D.P.W. DISTRIBUTION serves approximately 286,158 people across Howard County, Maryland. Like all US water utilities, it is required by federal law to maintain a complete inventory of lead service lines—pipes that connect the water main under the street to individual homes.

Why this matters

Lead service lines can contaminate drinking water, especially in homes with older plumbing or where water is acidic. Even small amounts of lead exposure carry health risks, particularly for children under 6 and pregnant people. A complete, accurate inventory is the first step toward identifying which homes may be at risk and planning replacements.

What we know about your system

HOWARD COUNTY D.P.W. DISTRIBUTION has not yet publicly reported a complete lead service line inventory. This means:

• The total number of lead, galvanized, and non-lead pipes in the system is not available online.
• You cannot currently look up your address to find out whether your home has a lead service line based on utility records.

This does not mean your system has no lead lines—many older utilities across the country have not finished their inventories or made them public yet.

How to find out if your home has a lead service line

Contact HOWARD COUNTY D.P.W. DISTRIBUTION directly. They can tell you:

• Whether your specific property has a lead service line, galvanized pipe, or copper.
• Whether they have started a replacement program and any costs or timeline that might apply to you.

You can also hire a plumber to inspect the line at the property line or visible pipes in your basement. If you're concerned about water quality, you can request a free water test through the utility or use a certified lab.

Federal funding for replacements

The Biden administration allocated billions through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to accelerate lead service line replacement nationwide. Your utility may be eligible for grants that reduce or eliminate homeowner costs. Ask HOWARD COUNTY D.P.W. DISTRIBUTION whether they have applied for or received this funding.

Next steps for residents

• Contact your utility to ask about your home's service line material. Request a copy of their lead service line inventory if available.
• Request a water test if you have concerns about lead or other contaminants in your drinking water.
• Ask about replacement programs and any costs or assistance available in your area.
• Visit the CDC's Lead in Drinking Water fact sheet for more information on health effects and prevention.

```json [ { "q": "How do I know if my house has a lead service line?", "a": "Your water utility can tell you based on their records. You can also hire a plumber to inspect visible pipes or the service line at your property line. A simple visual test: if a magnet sticks to the pipe, it's likely steel (possibly galvanized or lead-wrapped). If not, it's usually copper." }, { "q": "Is it dangerous to drink water from a lead service line?", "a": "Lead can leach into water from service lines, especially if your water is acidic. The risk is highest for children under 6 and pregnant people. Contact the CDC or your pediatrician about health concerns, and ask your utility about water testing options." }, { "q": "Does HOWARD COUNTY D.P.W. DISTRIBUTION replace lead service lines?", "a": "Call or visit the utility's website to ask about their replacement program, timeline, and costs. Federal funding is now available to help pay for replacements—your utility can explain whether you qualify." }, { "q": "What should I do if I'm worried about lead in my water?", "a": "Use a water filter certified for lead, run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking, and request a free or low-cost water test from your utility. For health questions, contact your doctor or the CDC