Lead Service Lines in Ocean City, Maryland
About This Water System
The Town of Ocean City serves approximately 30,000 people in Maryland. Like all US water utilities, Ocean City is required by federal law to maintain an inventory of lead service lines—the pipes that connect homes to the water main—and share that information with the public.
What We Know About Ocean City's Lead Service Lines
As of now, Ocean City has not yet published a complete lead service line inventory. This does not mean there are no lead pipes; it means the inventory work is still underway or the data hasn't been made publicly available yet.
Federal law (the Lead and Copper Rule) requires all water systems to identify which homes are served by lead service lines and communicate that information to residents by April 2024 (with some flexibility for systems still completing their surveys). If you live in Ocean City, your water utility should be able to tell you whether your home has a lead service line when you contact them directly.
Why This Matters
Lead service lines pose a real health risk, especially to young children and pregnant people. Lead can leach into drinking water, particularly if the water is corrosive or if pipes are disturbed. Even low levels of lead exposure can affect child development. If your service line is lead, or if you're unsure, there are steps you can take to reduce risk.
What Ocean City Should Have Done
By now, Ocean City should have:
- Surveyed the system to identify lead and galvanized service lines
- Created a publicly available inventory or map
- Sent written notice to any customer with a known or presumed lead service line
- Offered a replacement program or information about replacing your service line
If you haven't received this information, contact the utility directly.
Next Steps for Residents
- Contact Ocean City's water department and ask whether your property has a lead service line. Have your address ready.
- Ask about the timeline for their lead service line inventory and any replacement program.
- Get your water tested for lead if you're concerned—many health departments offer free or low-cost testing.
- Read CDC guidance on reducing lead exposure at home while you investigate (flushing, using cold water for drinking/cooking, and considering a certified filter).
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Ocean City have lead in the water?
Ocean City's lead service line inventory is not yet publicly available. Lead occurs in pipes, not naturally in the water supply. Contact the Town of Ocean City water department to find out if your home's service line is lead.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Call or email the Town of Ocean City water department with your address. They should tell you based on their inventory. You can also look at your water bill or service records, which sometimes list the pipe material.
Is lead service line replacement free?
It varies by utility. Many systems now offer partial or full funding for replacement through federal grants or utility programs. Ask Ocean City about their replacement program and costs.
Can I test my water for lead?
Yes. Contact your local health department or a certified lab for a lead test. The EPA and CDC websites have guides to finding testing near you. Testing is often inexpensive or free.