MALDEN WATER DIVISION (MWRA) — Lead Service Line Inventory

What you need to know

Malden Water Division serves about 66,263 people in Massachusetts. Like many older water systems in the US, Malden may have lead service lines—the pipes that connect the public water main to homes built before 1986, when lead was still legal for these connections.

Right now, Malden has not published a publicly available lead service line inventory. That means the utility hasn't yet shared a complete count of which homes have lead lines, which have safer materials, or how many remain unknown. This is not unusual; many water systems across the country are still in the early stages of mapping their lead infrastructure.

Why this matters

Lead service lines are the most common source of lead in drinking water for homes that have them. Even new pipes can leach small amounts of lead, but old lead lines pose a higher risk, especially for infants and young children. If your home was built before 1986 and is served by an older water system, there's a reasonable chance you have a lead service line.

What Malden is (and isn't) doing

Because Malden's inventory data is not yet public, you cannot check your address online. The utility may be conducting inspections, testing, or planning replacements behind the scenes—but those details aren't accessible here.

Federal law (the Lead and Copper Rule, updated in 2024) requires water systems to inventory all lead service lines by 2027 and begin replacement programs. Malden is required to meet these deadlines, but the timeline for public reporting may vary.

How to find out about your home

Your best option right now is to contact Malden Water Division directly. Ask:

• Does my property have a lead service line?
• If unknown, can the utility arrange a test or inspection?
• What corrosion control treatment is in the water to reduce lead leaching?
• Are replacement programs planned?

You can also check your home's age and plumbing history with a licensed plumber, though this requires a site visit.

What about my drinking water?

Malden provides water from surface sources. The utility is required to treat the water to reduce lead leaching. If you're concerned about lead in your tap water right now, consider using a pitcher filter (NSF-certified for lead) for drinking and cooking water, especially if you have young children.

Next steps for residents

• Contact Malden Water Division to ask if your address is on a lead service line and request updates on the inventory timeline.
• Use a water filter (NSF-certified for lead) as a temporary safeguard while awaiting inventory results.
• Have a licensed plumber inspect your water service line if you want a definitive answer before the utility's inventory is complete.
• Check back here for updates as Malden publishes its lead service line inventory.

```json [ { "q": "Does Malden Water have lead service lines?", "a": "Malden has not yet published a public inventory, so the total number is unknown. However, the utility is required by federal law to complete and share this information by 2027. Contact the water division directly for your property." }, { "q": "How do I know if my house has a lead service line?", "a": "Contact Malden Water Division with your address. A licensed plumber can also inspect your service line in person. Lead pipes are soft, dark gray, and can be scratched with a coin—but a professional confirmation is more reliable." }, { "q": "Is lead in Malden's tap water safe?", "a": "Malden treats its water to reduce lead leaching. However, if your home has a lead service line, some lead may still be present. Use an NSF-certified lead filter for drinking and cooking water, especially for infants and young children, and consult your pediatrician about testing." }, {