Anne Arundel County approves means-tested funding for lead service line replacements

Anne Arundel County approves means-tested funding for lead service line replacementsThe County Council has passed legislation establishing a tiered financial assistance program for property owners to replace non-compliant galvanized and lead water pipes, while also advancing utility connections for private properties.

Bill 54-26 establishes a tiered system where the county absorbs replacement costs if lead contamination originates from outside sources, such as pre-1937 county infrastructure.

If lead contamination originates from piping on private property, the property owner bears the cost, though a newly added means-tested system will provide county financial assistance.

The council unanimously approved Bill 52-26, amending the 2022 Master Plan for Water Supply and Sewerage Systems to connect six private properties to public utilities.

Bill 51-26 was also passed, authorizing up to $1.84 billion in general obligation bonds and $900 million in bond anticipation notes, partially funding water and wastewater capital projects.

Anne Arundel County is rolling out a new financial mechanism to tackle the replacement of non-compliant water service lines. During its July 20, 2026 meeting, the County Council approved Bill 54-26, an ordinance designed to address federal mandates regarding lead pipe replacement while balancing the financial burden on residents. According to Councilmember Nathan Volke, the legislation was prompted by federal requirements to replace pipes containing lead. The local utility, the Department of Public Works (DPW), indicated that current findings primarily involve galvanized pipes containing lead, which may have been contaminated by pre-1937 county-owned lead infrastructure. To address the costs, the approved ordinance creates a tiered funding system. If DPW determines the lead originates from an outside source—such as older county infrastructure—the county will absorb the replacement cost. If the lead is traced to pipes on private property, the property owner will be assessed the replacement cost. However, an amendment introduced by Councilmember Julie Hummer establishes a means-tested assistance program to help lower-income residents cover these expenses. The bill passed with a 5-1 vote. In a separate water infrastructure decision, the council unanimously approved Bill 52-26, which amends the county’s 2022 Master Plan for Water Supply and Sewerage Systems. Ethan Hunt, representing the administration, noted that the amendment changes the designation of six private properties from "no public service" or "future service" to the "planned service" category, enabling them to connect to public water and sewer utilities. The connections were reviewed and recommended for adequate capacity by an interagency team including the DPW, the Office of Planning and Zoning, and the Department of Health. Furthermore, the council unanimously passed Bill 51-26, authorizing the issuance of up to $1.84 billion in general obligation bonds and $900 million in bond anticipation notes for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. A portion of these funds will be directed toward acquiring, constructing, and equipping wastewater facilities and water supply systems.