Consumer Confidence Reports. MetCom has a longstanding history of keeping the drinking water we produce well below the maximum lead levels set forth by the EPA. We publish the results of our water quality testing in Consumer Confidence Reports on our website (scan QR code). If your water comes from a household well or other private water supply, check with the local Health Department.
Inventory. MetCom is taking several proactive steps to mitigate customers’ exposure to lead in drinking water. MetCom is updating its inventory of service line materials and working to identify any lead service lines within its water system. The inventory and a Lead Service Line Replacement Plan are required to be completed by October 16, 2024.
The inventory must include all service lines connected to the public water distribution system regardless of ownership status (e.g., where service line ownership is shared, the inventory would include both the portion of the service line owned by the water system and the portion owned by the water customer). Per Article 41, Section 246(b), of the Annotated Code of Maryland, any service lines installed on or after May 17, 1972 are classified as “Non-Lead”.
Inventory Results. MetCom has evaluated 16,930 water service lines throughout the County to comply with new federal rules aimed at decreasing lead exposure in the U.S. None of the water service lines examined were found to be made of lead. The Inventory identifies all service lines in our 28 water systems as either lead, galvanized requiring replacement (GRR), non-lead, or unknown lead status. MetCom has completed its’ Inventory, by both examining relevant building records and conducting visual inspections.
About 16,423 of the water services to homes and businesses in the County were built after a lead ban on plumbing materials went into effect in Maryland in May 17, 1972 which are classified by the EPA as “Non-Lead”.
Of the approximately 507 remaining publicly and privately-owned water service lines that were built before the lead ban on plumbing materials went into effect, MetCom performed records reviews or test pitting / visual inspections. Of those inspected, none were found to have lead services lines.
Note: The 290 miles of public-owned water supply lines are not constructed of lead materials, but there may be some small lead pigtail and gooseneck connections still in the system, and while these are not considered by the EPA as lead service lines for this inventory, we will replace them if any are found / identified as a part of our long-term commitment to remove lead completely from our water system.
Water Line Inventory Map. Do you have lead pipes? Let us help you find out. In October 2024, MetCom developed an online GIS platform to help customers identify the material of their service line and report this information to us so we can update our service line inventory. You will be able to use our service line map to see if your property has, or might have, a lead service line. This is available now.
Test Pitting Program. In order to help validate and increase the confidence level of the mandated inventory, supplemental test pitting on non-MetCom owned property will need to be performed by in-house staff using a hydro excavator. Twelve (12) public schools and four (4) parochial schools are included in this initial effort. A unit price quote may also be secured from the Commission’s emergency services contractors, and staff will be present to make a visual pipe material determination. For access to private property, a right-of-entry agreement may need to be utilized on an as-needed basis to ensure property owners knowledge and consent.
Customer Notification. Following the required inventory, MetCom will inform customers if their private water service line may contain lead or lead components. See sample notification. Property / homeowners are responsible for all costs associated with any interior plumbing. If any portion of a lead service line that MetCom owns is replaced due to an emergency repair, notice and risk mitigation measures will be provided to the persons served before the service line is returned to service.
Capital Construction and Maintenance. Any publicly owned water mains that are planned to be replaced in conjunction with the Lead and Copper Rule will include a contract provision / add alternate to offer to replace the portion of the privately owned service line but is not required to bear the cost of replacement.
Tap Testing Program. During construction, a temporary increase of lead levels may be experienced due to the work. MetCom will, provide customer notification and will offer to collect a follow-up tap sample between 3-6 months after completion of a partial replacement and provide the results of the sample.
Lead Pipe Replacement Assistance Program (LPRAP). MetCom has proposed a Lead Pipe Replacement Assistance Program (LPRAP) for income eligible customers which is a funding strategy for those unable to pay to replace their private service lines. $150,000 in low-interest loans will be made available on July 1, 2024.
Plumbing Contract. MetCom has partnered with St. Mary’s County Government’s Plumbing Services time and materials service contract with All Mechanical & Plumbing LLC. The piggyback provision has enabled the Commission to reach out to the vendor as a resource for private lead service line replacements to be completed and paid for directly by the property owner(s). Estimated cost: $5K-$6K per connection.
Pitcher Filters. MetCom will supply pitcher filter or point-of-use (POU) devices certified by an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited certified to reduce lead on an as needed basis. Water filters and cartridges can vary in their longevity (length of use) and replacement costs.
Testing Kits for Lead in Drinking Water. You can obtain a test kit from the Metroplitan Commission by
contacting Customer Service (703)737-7400 ext. (102). Test kits are FREE for the first test and may cost $15-$20 for every following kit should you wish to perform any additional sampling. These water samples provide a snapshot of the water quality in your pipes at the moment of collection, which can indicate potential sources of lead such as household plumbing, fixtures, and service pipes. If the home test is positive, you can contact the Metropolitan Commission, and we can perform a separate confirmatory test which will be sent to an independent certified lab for analysis. For more information, refer to the EPA Home Water Testing Facts.
HomeServe Warrantee Program. MetCom has partnered with Utility Services Partners, Inc. (USP) in order to help facilitate the repairs to the private side of service lines where MetCom has no responsibility. MetCom customers may voluntarily participate in a month-to-month water and sewer service line repair program for the private connections to their homes, which includes thawing and frozen pipe coverage. While the program does not actively explore the lines to find out if they are lead or copper, if a resident calls in and there is an issue with the line, it will be replaced.
Service plans available through this partnership with USP will provide homeowners and light commercial properties (served by 1” service lines or less) with an affordable, cost-effective way to manage the unexpected expense and inconvenience of emergency in-home plumbing and external water / sewer line repairs leaks, breaks, and clogs. USP will also be setting aside funds to help pay for repairs and other assistance for low-income homeowners through a simple online application process that can be reviewed at https://www.HomeServeCares.com.
