November 6, 2026
Re: Notification of Water Service Line Material
Your water service line has been classified as an Unknown Lead Status.
Dear Water Customer:
The Town of Sharptown has completed its initial Lead Service Line Inventory, as mandated by the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Revisions and the State of Maryland. This inventory required the identification of the water service line material for the entirety of each service line, from the water main in the road to each residence/building. Each service line has split ownership; the Commissioners of Sharptown own and maintain the water service line up to and including the water meter, typically installed near the property line. Each property owner has private ownership of the water service line running on private property, from the water meter to their residence/building.
Please note that the Sharptown water system tests annually for lead in the public water system and the Commissioners of Sharptown have never had any issues with lead contamination over acceptable limits. Lead contamination is typically a result of materials and components in the privately owned plumbing system.
Health Effects of Lead:
Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups. Infants and children can experience decreases in IQ and attention span. Lead exposure can lead to new learning and behavior problems or exacerbate existing learning and behavior problems. The children of women who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy can have increased risk of these adverse health effects. Adults can have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney or nervous system problems.
The CDC recommends that people can reduce their exposure to lead in drinking water by drinking or using only tap water that has been run through a “point of use” filter certified as NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead removal and NSF/ANSI Standard 42 for particulate removal.
The Commissioners of Sharptown are required to replace any ‘public’ portion made of lead or galvanized steel service lines. In 1990, all service lines from the water main to the meters were replaced. We are continuing to investigate for any further issues. It is the responsibility of the Property Owner to replace the privately owned portion of the lead or galvanized steel service lines. If the Property Owner plans to replace or has already replaced the private portion of a lead or galvanized steel service line, the property owner must notify the Commissioners of Sharptown.
Residents/Property Owners must notify the Town of Sharptown after identifying the material of their private service line, along with providing adequate supporting documentation. If the private service line material is found to be lead, or galvanized steel, Property Owners can apply for financial assistance with replacing the private portion of the water service line. Information regarding financial assistance for material identification and service line replacement of the private portion of the water service line will be provided once the State of Maryland and Environmental Protection Agency announce these programs.
The Commissioners of Sharptown would like to invite you to a public meeting where you can ask any questions you may have regarding this matter. The meeting is on December 7, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at Town Hall. If you have questions prior to the meeting date, call Town Hall at 410-883-3767.
Sincerely,
The Commissioners of Sharptown
