WASHINGTON SUBURBAN SANITARY COMMISSION Lead Service Line Inventory
About this water system
Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) serves approximately 1.9 million people across its service area in Maryland. The utility draws from surface water sources.
Lead service line inventory status
WSSC has not yet completed a comprehensive inventory of lead service lines in its system. As of now, no lead service line data is publicly available through this utility's inventory database.
This doesn't mean your home is lead-free. It means WSSC is still in the process of identifying which pipes in the system contain lead. Many water utilities nationwide are working to complete these inventories—it's a large undertaking for systems serving millions of people.
Why this matters
Lead service lines are the most direct route for lead to enter drinking water. If your home was built before the 1980s, there's a meaningful chance your connection uses lead. Even low exposure can affect children's development, and there's no truly "safe" lead level in drinking water.
What you can do now
Get your home tested. You don't need to wait for WSSC's full inventory. A lead test of your tap water takes minutes and costs $20–50 through many local health departments or online labs. If you have young children or are pregnant, testing is especially important.
Contact WSSC directly. Call or email the utility to ask:
- Whether your specific address has been inventoried yet
- What the known or suspected pipe material is at your home
- Whether they offer free or reduced-cost testing
Check your home's age and pipe records. Homes built before 1986 are higher risk. If you have access to any documentation about your service line replacement or plumbing work, that can tell you what's there now.
If you find lead, don't panic. Interim steps like flushing your tap before use, using a NSF-certified filter, or switching to bottled water for drinking and cooking can reduce exposure while you plan longer-term solutions.
Next steps for residents
- Contact WSSC water quality department to ask about your address's inventory status
- Get a tap water test through your county health department or a private lab
- If lead is detected, ask WSSC about replacement assistance programs (some utilities help offset costs)
- Consult your pediatrician if you have concerns about past exposure, especially for children under 6
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission have lead pipes?
WSSC has not yet published a complete lead service line inventory, so the total number of lead lines in the system is unknown. However, older homes in the service area are at risk. The best way to know if your home has a lead service line is to contact WSSC directly or have your tap water tested.
How many people does WSSC serve?
WSSC serves approximately 1.9 million people across its Maryland service area.
How do I find out if my house has a lead service line?
Contact WSSC with your address to ask about your line's material. You can also request a tap water test through your local health department or a certified lab. Homes built before 1986 are at higher risk.
Is lead in water dangerous?
Yes—lead in drinking water is harmful, especially to children under 6 and pregnant people. There is no safe level of lead in drinking water. If you're concerned about exposure, contact your pediatrician or the CDC.