NEWTON WATER DEPT. (MWRA) Lead Service Line Inventory
Newton's water system serves about 88,415 people in Massachusetts. Like many older communities in the Northeast, Newton relies partly on surface water sources and has a mix of service lines—some of which may contain lead, which can leach into drinking water.
What we know about Newton's lead service lines
Newton Water Department is part of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) system. However, the utility has not yet published a complete lead service line inventory to the public. This means we don't have confirmed counts of how many lead, galvanized, or safe non-lead lines serve the community.
This doesn't mean there's no risk—it means the data isn't available yet. Lead service lines are most common in systems built before the 1950s, and Newton has neighborhoods with older infrastructure.
What you should do now
If you live in Newton, the safest approach is to assume your service line might contain lead or galvanized steel, which can corrode and release lead. You don't need to panic, but you should:
- Have your water tested through your local board of health or a certified lab. A simple test costs $20–50 and tells you if lead is present in your tap water right now.
- Contact Newton Water Department directly to ask about your property's specific service line material. They may have older records even if a public inventory isn't yet online.
- Use cold, running water for drinking and cooking. If your water has been sitting in pipes overnight, run the tap for 30 seconds before filling cups or pots.
- Check for lead paint and dust in your home too—service lines are one source, but they're not the only one.
If a test shows elevated lead, contact your pediatrician or the CDC for guidance on protecting children's health.
Next steps for residents
- Get your water tested through Newton's health department or a state-certified lab.
- Call Newton Water Department at their main line to ask about your service line material and whether a replacement program exists.
- Check the MWRA website (mwra.com) for updates on system-wide lead initiatives.
- If you rent, ask your landlord about the service line and building age; they may have records.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Is Newton's tap water safe to drink?
Newton's water quality depends partly on your service line material. A home water test is the best way to know if lead is present in your tap water. If results are normal, your water is safe; if elevated, your utility and health department can help with next steps.
How do I find out if I have a lead service line?
Contact Newton Water Department directly—they may have records of your line's material. You can also look at your water bill or property record. If your home was built before 1950, it's more likely to have a lead or galvanized line.
What should I do if my water test shows lead?
Contact your pediatrician or local health department for health guidance. Then call Newton Water Department to discuss replacement options and any utility assistance programs. In the meantime, use cold running water for drinking and cooking, and let the tap run for 30 seconds after sitting overnight.
Will Newton replace my lead service line?
Newton Water Department has not published a public replacement program yet. Contact them directly to ask about eligibility, cost-sharing, or federal funding (like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) that may help cover replacement costs.