Garrett County Government is urging all residents to participate in an important inventory of water service line pipes connected to our public water systems. This initiative aims to identify and replace any lead pipes.
Your involvement is essential for several reasons. Completing this inventory will allow the government to apply for the necessary funding to replace any hazardous lead lines that may be discovered. This proactive approach is crucial for maintaining the health and safety of all residents and meets Federal and State government requirements.
Please check for lead pipes within your home. Guidance on how to identify pipe materials, including lead, is available here:
- Locate Your Water Service Line: Check the lowest level of your home—this could be the exterior, basement, utility closet, or crawl space. Look for a pipe entering through the floor or low on the wall.
- Test with a Magnet: Hold a magnet near the pipe. A magnet will not stick to lead pipes, but it will stick to galvanized steel, which is a different material.
- Penny Scratch Test: If the magnet does not stick, scratch the pipe with a penny. If the scratched area reveals a shiny silver metal, it may be lead. Lead is a soft metal and scratches easily.
- Complete the Survey: Visit this link to access and complete the online survey: GarrettCountyMD.gov/WaterLine. Please provide information about the types of pipes present in your home, regardless of the material.
Your participation is vital and will directly impact the improvement of our public water infrastructure.
For more information or any questions, please contact Siera Wigfield at swigfield@garrettcountymd.gov or 301-334-7477.
