LeadPipeLookup

State overview

Lead service lines in Massachusetts

Aggregated lead pipe inventory data for all 1,651 public water systems in Massachusetts, serving approximately 10,345,518 residents.

Last verified from EPA SDWIS: 2026-04-14
Water systems
1,651
Population served
10,345,518
Known lead lines
0
Unknown material
0

Lead Service Lines in Massachusetts

What you need to know

Massachusetts has 1,651 public water systems serving about 10.3 million people. Lead service lines—pipes that connect your home to the water main—are a real concern because lead can leach into drinking water, especially in older homes and in areas with corrosive water.

The good news: Massachusetts has been working to identify and replace lead service lines for years. However, the current inventory data shows that many water systems have not yet completed a full count of their lead lines. This doesn't mean your water is unsafe—it means the mapping is still ongoing.

Why this matters

Lead exposure has no safe level, especially for children and pregnant people. Even small amounts can affect development and learning. If you live in an older home (built before 1950), your service line is more likely to be lead. Homes built between 1950 and 1980 may have lead solder in plumbing fixtures, which can also contribute to lead in water.

What Massachusetts water utilities are doing

Your utility is required by the Lead and Copper Rule to:

  • Test water quality regularly
  • Identify homes with lead service lines
  • Plan replacement timelines
  • Provide treatment to reduce corrosion (which leaches lead from pipes)

The largest systems—MWRA (serving 2.66 million people), Boston Water and Sewer Commission (675,647 people), Worcester (206,518 people), Springfield (167,954 people), and Cambridge (118,214 people)—have public inventories available.

Next steps for residents

  • Find your utility. Search your town name + "water department" or check your water bill.
  • Ask about your service line. Contact your utility directly and ask: "Is my home's service line lead or galvanized?" Many utilities have maps or records.
  • Test your water. Request a free or low-cost lead test from your local board of health.
  • Use a filter. If lead is detected, NSF-certified filters (certified for lead reduction) can help while you wait for service line replacement.

Largest public water systems in Massachusetts

UtilityPWSIDPopulationKnown leadUnknown
Aquinnah Wampanoag010307001———
MWRAMA60000002,660,000——
BOSTON WATER AND SEWER COMMISSION (MWRA)MA3035000675,647——
WORCESTER DPWP, WATER SUPPLY DIVISIONMA2348000206,518——
SPRINGFIELD WATER AND SEWER COMMISSIONMA1281000167,954——
CAMBRIDGE WATER DEPARTMENTMA3049000118,214——
LOWELL REGIONAL WATER UTILITYMA3160000115,000——
QUINCY WATER DEPT. (MWRA)MA3243000106,000——
BROCKTON WATER DEPARTMENTMA4044000105,643——
INIMA USA / AQUARIA LLCMA4076004105,643——
LYNN WATER AND SEWER COMMMA3163000101,253——
CITY OF NEW BEDFORD DPIMA4201000101,079——
FALMOUTH WATER DEPTMA409600097,551——
FALL RIVER WATER DEPARTMENTMA409500094,000——
SALEM AND BEVERLY WATER SUPPLY BOARDMA303000190,330——
LAWRENCE WATER WORKSMA314900088,877——
NEWTON WATER DEPT. (MWRA)MA320700088,415——
SOMERVILLE WATER DEPT. (MWRA)MA327400081,045——
FRAMINGHAM WATER DEPT. (MWRA)MA310000072,362——
MALDEN WATER DIVISION (MWRA)MA316500066,263——
WALTHAM WATER DEPARTMENTMA330800065,218——
DENNIS WATER DISTRICTMA407500065,000——
HAVERHILL WATER DEPTMA312800063,235——
BROOKLINE WATER AND SEWER DIVISIONMA304600063,191——
REVERE WATER DIVISION (MWRA)MA324800062,186——

Cities in Massachusetts

More on lead pipes in Massachusetts

Frequently asked about lead pipes in Massachusetts

How do I know if I have a lead service line in Massachusetts?

Contact your local water utility with your address. Many larger Massachusetts systems have online maps or can tell you over the phone. If your home was built before 1950, there's a higher chance. You can also look at the service line where it enters your home—lead is soft, gray, and dull; copper is reddish-brown; galvanized is silver with visible ridges.

Is my tap water safe to drink in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts utilities test water regularly for lead. If your utility detects high lead levels, they must notify you. If you're concerned, request a free test from your local board of health or have the water tested through a certified lab. Using a pitcher filter or faucet filter (NSF-certified for lead) provides extra protection.

What does Massachusetts do to prevent lead in water?

Water utilities add corrosion control chemicals to reduce lead leaching from pipes and solder. They also test homes with lead service lines regularly. Massachusetts is investing in replacing lead service lines, though the timeline varies by utility.

Who pays for replacing a lead service line in Massachusetts?

It depends on your utility and whether state or federal funding is available. Some utilities cover the full cost; others ask homeowners to pay a portion. Contact your water utility to ask about their lead line replacement program and any assistance available.