Lead Service Lines in Beverly, MA
Beverly's water comes from five water systems serving 138,366 people total. The two main providers are the Salem and Beverly Water Supply Board (serving about 90,330 residents) and the Beverly Water Department (serving about 47,461 residents).
What we know about lead service lines in Beverly
Lead service lines are pipes that connect your home's water line to the main water line under the street. They were common in many older neighborhoods built before the 1980s, when lead pipes were phased out.
The water systems serving Beverly have not yet reported a known number of lead service lines to the state. This doesn't mean lead pipes aren't present—it means either surveys are still underway, data isn't yet public, or pipes remain unmarked in utility records. Massachusetts requires water systems to identify and inventory lead lines, but timelines vary by utility.
Why this matters
Lead can leach into drinking water, especially from older pipes and when water sits in pipes overnight. The CDC recommends testing for lead if your home was built before 1986 or if you have young children. Even a small amount of lead exposure is a concern for children under 6.
Finding out if your home has a lead service line
Your water utility is your best source. Contact either the Salem and Beverly Water Supply Board or the Beverly Water Department directly—they maintain records of service line materials. Ask:
- Does my address have a lead service line?
- Do you have a map or inventory I can check?
- What's your timeline for identifying all lead lines?
If your utility can't confirm, you may need a plumber to inspect the line where it enters your home, or request a water test for lead levels.
Next steps for residents
- Contact your water utility to ask about your specific address and whether a lead service line inventory exists.
- If you have young children, consider a water test even while waiting for utility data—labs can test for lead levels in your tap water.
- Use a filter certified to reduce lead (look for NSF/ANSI Standard 53) while you sort out your home's plumbing.
- Visit the CDC's lead and drinking water page for health guidance, especially if you have children under 6.