State guide
Maryland
([mde.maryland.gov](https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/water/water_supply/Pages/Pb_and_Cu_Rule.aspx))
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- State lead service line page
- Official page →
Official resources in Maryland
State drinking water program page with Maryland’s service line inventory rules, reporting forms, and customer-notification requirements. ([mde.maryland.gov](https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/water/water_supply/Pages/Pb_and_Cu_Rule.aspx))
State background page on Maryland lead-in-drinking-water issues and lead service line replacement programs. ([mde.maryland.gov](https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/water/water_supply/pages/lead_and_water.aspx))
Official WSSC page for free customer-side lead/GRR service line replacement through its program. ([wsscwater.com](https://www.wsscwater.com/lead-replacement))
Official emergency loan page for residential water or sewer service line replacement on private property. ([client.wssc-dpl.taoti.io](https://client.wssc-dpl.taoti.io/pipeER))
Official FAQ explaining when Maryland American Water replaces customer-owned lead or galvanized lines at no direct charge. ([authoring-dotcms-prod.awapps.com](https://authoring-dotcms-prod.awapps.com/mdaw/water-quality/Lead-and-Drinking-Water/lead-service-faqs))
Key facts for Maryland
- Maryland required initial service line inventories by October 16, 2024. ([mde.maryland.gov](https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/water/water_supply/Pages/Pb_and_Cu_Rule.aspx))
- Maryland systems must classify service lines as Lead, GRR, Non-lead, or Lead Status Unknown. ([mde.maryland.gov](https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/water/water_supply/Pages/Pb_and_Cu_Rule.aspx))
- May 17, 1972 is the Maryland-law date after which lead pipe was not an acceptable water service pipe material. ([mde.maryland.gov](https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/water/water_supply/Pages/Pb_and_Cu_Rule.aspx))
- WSSC says homeowners must participate in its program to receive free customer-side replacement; outside replacements are not reimbursed. ([wsscwater.com](https://www.wsscwater.com/lead-replacement))
- WSSC’s PipeER offers qualified residential customers loans up to $10,000 for leaking residential service line replacement. ([client.wssc-dpl.taoti.io](https://client.wssc-dpl.taoti.io/pipeER))
- Maryland American Water says qualifying properties receive service line replacements at no direct charge to the property owner. ([authoring-dotcms-prod.awapps.com](https://authoring-dotcms-prod.awapps.com/mdaw/water-quality/Lead-and-Drinking-Water/lead-service-faqs))
Utility help for homeowners in Maryland
| Utility | city | program | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| WSSC Water | — | Water Service Line Replacement Program | For customer-owned portions verified as lead or GRR, WSSC says customers can replace the pipe for free through its program by choosing from a pre-qualified plumber list; no outside reimbursement. ([wsscwater.com](https://www.wsscwater.com/lead-replacement)) |
| WSSC Water | — | PipeER: Water or Sewer Service Line Emergency Replacement Loan Program | Qualified residential customers can receive a loan up to $10,000 for replacement of a leaking residential water or sewer service line on private property. ([client.wssc-dpl.taoti.io](https://client.wssc-dpl.taoti.io/pipeER)) |
| Maryland American Water | — | Lead Service Line Replacement Program | Maryland American Water says qualifying properties receive replacement of customer-owned lead or galvanized service lines at no direct charge, generally through planned replacement work areas and main projects. ([authoring-dotcms-prod.awapps.com](https://authoring-dotcms-prod.awapps.com/mdaw/water-quality/Lead-and-Drinking-Water/lead-service-faqs)) |
What to do next
- First check whether your home is in WSSC Water or Maryland American Water territory, because both utilities publish private-side help but under different rules. ([wsscwater.com](https://www.wsscwater.com/lead-replacement))
- If you are a WSSC customer, use the utility’s pipe-type and replacement pages and enroll through WSSC’s program rather than replacing the line on your own. ([wsscwater.com](https://www.wsscwater.com/lead-replacement))
- If you are a Maryland American Water customer, watch for planned work-area notices; the company says replacements are generally done as programmed projects, not by request. ([authoring-dotcms-prod.awapps.com](https://authoring-dotcms-prod.awapps.com/mdaw/water-quality/Lead-and-Drinking-Water/lead-service-faqs))
Helpful guides
- Who pays to replace the private side of a lead service line?
- Lead service line replacement grants, reimbursements and loans
- How to tell if your water service line is lead
- The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements: what homeowners need to know
Lead line cost-share estimator →