WORCESTER DPWP, WATER SUPPLY DIVISION Lead Service Line Inventory
Worcester's water utility serves about 206,500 people in central Massachusetts. This page explains what we know about lead service lines in the system and how to find out if yours is at risk.
What is a lead service line?
A lead service line is the pipe that connects the public water main under the street to your home's plumbing. These pipes were common in homes built before the 1980s. If your service line is lead, drinking water can pick up lead particles—especially if water sits unused in the pipes or if the water is corrosive.
Current inventory status for Worcester
The utility has not yet published a publicly available inventory of lead service lines. This means the count of known lead, galvanized (which can corrode and leach metals), and non-lead lines has not been shared with residents.
This does not mean Worcester has no lead service lines—most water systems in the Northeast do. It means the data is either still being compiled or has not been disclosed yet.
What you can do now
Check your home's age and records. Homes built before 1950 are more likely to have lead service lines. Homes from 1950–1980 may have them too. Your property deed, building permit records, or a plumber who has worked on your home's water line can help confirm.
Get your water tested. A simple lead test of tap water costs $20–$50 and takes a few days to get results. Contact your local health department or a certified lab to arrange one. Testing is the only way to know for sure if lead is in your water right now.
Reduce exposure while you wait. If you're concerned (especially if you have young children), you can run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking it, use cold water for cooking, and consider a pitcher or faucet filter certified to remove lead.
Ask the utility directly. Worcester's water division can tell you whether your address is on a known lead or non-lead line. They may also have a timeline for publishing the full inventory or a program to help replace lead lines.
Next steps for residents
- Contact Worcester's water utility at (508) 929-5300 or visit their website to ask about your address and their lead service line program
- Request a water test through your local health department or a certified private lab
- Visit the CDC's pages on lead (cdc.gov/lead) for health guidance and testing recommendations if you have young children or pregnant household members
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Worcester have lead in the water?
We don't have a published count yet. Most older homes in the region do have lead service lines. The only way to know if lead is in your drinking water is to test it—contact your local health department for a low-cost test.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Homes built before 1950 are at highest risk. Ask your water utility if your address is on a lead line, check your property records, or have a plumber inspect the line where it enters your home.
Is lead in water dangerous?
Lead can harm brain development in children and affect kidney and nervous system function in adults. Contact your pediatrician or the CDC website (cdc.gov/lead) for specific health concerns and guidance on testing your child.
How much does it cost to replace a lead service line?
Replacement costs $3,000–$10,000+ depending on line depth and soil conditions. Contact your water utility to ask if they have a replacement assistance program or grant funding.