Lead Service Lines in Boston Water and Sewer Commission (MWRA)
The Boston Water and Sewer Commission, operated by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA), serves about 675,000 people across the Boston area. Like many older water systems in the Northeast, Boston's distribution network includes pipes installed decades ago—some of which may contain lead.
What we know about lead pipes in your system
Lead service lines are the pipes that connect the main water line under the street to your home. The MWRA has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines in its system. This means the exact number of lead pipes serving homes in the Boston area is still unknown.
If your home was built before 1980, there's a higher chance your service line contains lead. Homes built before 1950 are at even greater risk.
What you can do right now
Get your water tested. The cheapest way is to contact the MWRA directly and ask if they offer free or low-cost testing kits for lead at your tap. Many water utilities provide them.
Find out if you have a lead service line. Contact the MWRA and ask:
- Does the utility have records showing what material your service line is made of?
- If not, does the utility offer or recommend a contractor who can inspect your line?
Even if your service line is lead, the water may still be safe to drink—much depends on water chemistry and whether corrosion control is in place. The MWRA treats water to reduce lead leaching, but a lead pipe is still a potential source.
If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your pediatrician or doctor about your specific water situation. The CDC has guidance on lead and pregnancy.
Next steps for residents
- Contact the MWRA to request free or discounted lead testing at your tap
- Ask the utility whether they have records of your service line material
- If you own your home, consider scheduling a professional inspection of your service line
- Keep an eye on the MWRA website for updates to their lead service line inventory
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Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Boston water have lead pipes?
Some homes in the Boston area likely have lead service lines, especially those built before 1980, but the MWRA has not yet completed a full inventory. Your specific home may or may not be connected by a lead line—contact the MWRA to find out.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Contact the MWRA and ask if they have records of your service line material. If they don't, a licensed plumber can inspect the line where it enters your home—lead pipes are soft, dull gray, and can be scratched with a coin.
Is Boston tap water safe to drink?
The MWRA tests water quality and treats it to reduce lead leaching. To know if lead is in your tap water specifically, request a free or low-cost test kit from the utility. Even if your service line is lead, water chemistry and treatment affect actual exposure.
What should I do if I'm worried about lead in my water?
Test your tap water through the MWRA, use a water filter certified to remove lead (NSF/ANSI Standard 53), and run the tap for 30 seconds before drinking if it hasn't been used for several hours. If you have young children, consult your pediatrician.