QUINCY WATER DEPT. (MWRA) Lead Service Line Inventory
About This Water System
Quincy Water Department, part of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA), serves about 106,000 people in Quincy, Massachusetts. The system draws from surface water sources.
Lead Service Line Inventory Status
As of now, Quincy Water Department has not yet completed or made public a comprehensive lead service line (LSL) inventory. This means the utility has not finished documenting which homes are connected to the water main via lead pipes.
Why this matters: Lead service lines are the most common source of lead in drinking water. If your home was built before the 1980s, there's a higher chance your service line contains lead—but the only way to know for sure is through testing or a utility inspection.
What You Should Do
Even without a public inventory, you have options:
Get your water tested. Contact Quincy Water Department and ask if they offer free or low-cost lead testing. You can also buy a lead test kit online (look for EPA-certified kits) or hire a certified lab. Lead is tasteless and odorless; testing is the only way to know.
Ask your utility directly. Call or email Quincy Water Department and ask:
- Has your specific address been identified as having a lead service line?
- Do they have any records about your home's service line material?
- What's their timeline for completing the full inventory?
Consider a filter. If testing shows elevated lead, a certified point-of-use filter (like reverse osmosis or activated carbon) can reduce it. The EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791) can point you to certified filters.
Know the risk factors. Homes built before 1978 are more likely to have lead service lines. If you have young children or are pregnant, lead exposure is a particular concern—talk to your pediatrician or doctor.
Next Steps for Residents
- Contact Quincy Water Department to ask about your home's service line and request free testing if available.
- Test your water using an EPA-certified test kit or certified lab.
- Flush your tap before drinking or cooking (run cold water for 1-2 minutes if water hasn't been used for several hours).
- Call your pediatrician if you have young children and suspect lead exposure; they can discuss blood lead testing.
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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 Quincy Water Department have lead in the water?
Lead enters water primarily through lead service lines connecting homes to the main. Quincy Water Department hasn't yet published a complete inventory of which homes have lead lines. Testing your water is the only way to know if lead is present at your home.
How do I know if my home has a lead service line?
Contact Quincy Water Department directly—they may have records of your service line material. You can also hire a plumber to inspect the line where it enters your home. Homes built before 1978 are at higher risk.
What should I do if my water tests positive for lead?
Use a certified lead filter (reverse osmosis or activated carbon) at the tap where you drink and cook. Flush your tap for 1-2 minutes before use. Contact your doctor or pediatrician, especially if you have young children.
When will Quincy Water Department finish their lead service line inventory?
The utility has not publicly announced a completion date. Call them directly to ask about their timeline and whether they need funding or resources to complete the inventory.