HAVERHILL WATER DEPT Lead Service Line Inventory

Haverhill Water Dept serves about 63,235 people in Massachusetts. Like many older water systems across the US, Haverhill may have lead service lines—the pipes that connect the public water main to homes. This page explains what that means for you and how to find out if your home is affected.

What is a lead service line?

A lead service line is a water pipe made partly or entirely of lead that runs from the street into your home. These pipes were common in homes built before the 1980s. When water sits in or flows through lead pipes, it can pick up lead—a toxic metal that poses real health risks, especially for young children and pregnant people.

Massachusetts, like all US states, now requires water utilities to maintain an inventory of lead service lines so residents and the state can track where replacements are needed.

What you need to know about Haverhill

Haverhill Water Dept serves surface water (lakes, rivers, or reservoirs). The utility is required by law to know how many lead service lines exist in its system and to plan for their replacement.

Current inventory status: The utility has not yet completed its lead service line inventory. This does not mean you don't have a lead service line—it means the inventory work is still underway or not yet reported publicly.

Why this matters

Lead exposure can lower children's IQ, harm kidney function, and affect learning and behavior. There is no safe level of lead in drinking water. If you live in an older home, your property may have a lead service line even if you don't know it.

How to find out if you have a lead service line

1. Contact Haverhill Water Dept directly. Ask whether your address has a known lead service line, a galvanized pipe, or unknown service line material. They may have partial records even if the full inventory isn't public yet. 2. Check your water bill or utility documents. Sometimes utilities include this information or a link to their inventory. 3. Hire a plumber to inspect. A licensed plumber can dig up or inspect the service line at your property line to identify the material.

What to do if you have (or might have) a lead service line

• Use a water filter certified to remove lead (NSF/ANSI 53) while you plan next steps.
• Flush your tap for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking if water has been sitting in pipes for several hours.
• Contact your utility to ask about replacement programs or financial help.
• If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your doctor about testing.

Next steps for residents

• Call Haverhill Water Dept to ask about your service line and request their lead inventory or replacement timeline.
• Visit the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection for state-level resources and replacement program information.
• If you suspect lead in your water, have it tested by a certified lab.
• Consider a point-of-use water filter as an interim measure.

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