LeadPipeLookup

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Lead service lines in Cambridge, MA

3 water utilities serve Cambridge, with approximately 118,279 people served.

Last verified from EPA SDWIS + utility inventories: 2026-04-14
Known lead
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Galvanized
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Lead Service Lines in Cambridge, MA

Cambridge's water system serves about 118,000 people through three utilities. The good news: the city has not reported any known lead service lines in its public inventory data. However, "not reported" is different from "none exist"—older homes may still have lead lines that haven't been identified yet.

What you're looking at

A lead service line is the pipe that connects your home to the city's water main, usually buried underground. Lead lines were common in homes built before the 1980s. They're a real concern because lead can leach into drinking water, especially if the water is corrosive or if the line gets damaged.

Cambridge's three water systems are:

  • Cambridge Water Department (serves 118,214 people)
  • MIT Haystack Observatory (serves 40 people)
  • MIT Millstone Laboratory (serves 25 people)

None have reported known lead service lines in their inventories, but those inventories are often incomplete—many utilities are still identifying which pipes are made of lead.

How to find out about your specific home

The best way to know if your house has a lead service line is to contact the Cambridge Water Department directly. They maintain records of service line materials by address. Even if they don't have complete data yet, they can tell you:

  • What they know about your line
  • When your neighborhood was built (older areas = higher risk)
  • Whether testing or inspection is recommended
  • What the next steps are if lead is found

If you're concerned about lead in your water

Lead is most dangerous to young children and pregnant people. The EPA and CDC recommend:

  • Testing your water if you suspect a lead line (the city or a lab can do this)
  • Flushing the tap for 30 seconds before drinking if you have a lead line
  • Using cold water for cooking and drinking—hot water pulls more lead from pipes

For health questions, contact your pediatrician or the CDC's lead hotline at 1-800-CDC-INFO.

Next steps for residents

  • Contact Cambridge Water Department with your address to ask about your service line material
  • If you have a lead line, request information about replacement programs or funding assistance
  • Consider testing your tap water if you have children under 6 or are pregnant
  • Check the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection for any ongoing lead abatement programs in your area

Utilities serving Cambridge

Common questions

Does Cambridge have lead service lines?

Cambridge has not reported any known lead service lines in its public inventory data. However, inventories are often incomplete—older homes may still have lead lines that haven't been identified. Contact Cambridge Water Department with your address to find out about your specific home.

How do I know if my house has a lead service line?

Call Cambridge Water Department and give them your address. They maintain records of service line materials by location. If they don't have complete data, they can tell you when your neighborhood was built, which is a good indicator of risk.

Is lead in Cambridge water dangerous?

Lead is most dangerous to young children and pregnant people. If you have a lead service line, you can reduce exposure by flushing the tap and using cold water for drinking and cooking. For health concerns, talk to your doctor or call the CDC at 1-800-CDC-INFO.

Can Cambridge replace my lead service line?

Contact Cambridge Water Department to ask about lead line replacement programs, costs, and any available funding or assistance. Some utilities offer discounts or cost-sharing for removal.