CAMBRIDGE WATER DEPARTMENT Lead Service Line Inventory
What you need to know
Cambridge Water Department serves 118,214 people across Cambridge, Massachusetts. Like water systems nationwide, Cambridge is required by law to inventory all lead service lines—the pipes that connect homes to the main water line—and share that information with the public.
Current inventory status: Cambridge Water Department has not yet completed a public inventory of lead service lines. This doesn't mean your home is safe or unsafe; it means the utility is still working through the federal requirement to identify and catalog these pipes.
Why lead service lines matter
Lead can leach into drinking water through old service lines and household pipes, especially in homes built before 1986 when lead was still commonly used in plumbing. The EPA and CDC have both confirmed there is no safe level of lead exposure, and children are particularly vulnerable. Even brief exposure can affect learning and development.
The good news: lead service lines can be replaced, and simple steps like running water before using it and using a filter can reduce risk while you wait.
What Cambridge Water is doing
All water utilities in the US must create and maintain a lead service line inventory. Cambridge is part of this nationwide effort. The utility hasn't yet made a detailed public list available, but they are tracking which pipes in their system contain lead.
If you want specifics about the timeline or current progress, contact Cambridge Water Department directly. They can tell you whether your address has been surveyed and what they've found.
Next steps for residents
- Contact your water utility to ask if your service line has been inventoried and what material it's made of. Call Cambridge Water Department or visit their website.
- Get your water tested through your local health department or a certified lab if you're concerned about lead levels in your home.
- Use a lead-reducing filter (NSF certified for lead removal) on your kitchen tap while you await more information.
- If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your pediatrician or OB-GYN about lead exposure risk in your home.
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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
How do I know if I have a lead service line?
Contact Cambridge Water Department and provide your address. They can check their records to tell you what material your service line is made of. You can also hire a plumber to inspect the line where it enters your home, though this may cost money.
Is lead in tap water dangerous?
Yes—the EPA and CDC confirm there is no safe level of lead exposure. Lead can build up in the body and cause serious health effects, especially in children. If you're concerned, have your water tested and talk to your doctor.
What should I do if my home has a lead service line?
Run water for 30 seconds before using it for drinking or cooking, use a lead-reducing filter on your tap, and contact your utility about replacement options. Some utilities offer cost-sharing or rebates. Replacing the line is the only permanent fix.
When will Cambridge finish its lead service line inventory?
Federal law requires utilities to complete their inventories by specific deadlines. Contact Cambridge Water Department directly to ask about their timeline and what portion of the system has been surveyed so far.