DENNIS WATER DISTRICT Lead Service Line Inventory
What you need to know
Dennis Water District serves about 65,000 people in Massachusetts. Like all US water systems, they are required by federal law to identify and track lead service lines—the pipes that connect homes to the main water line underground.
The current status: Dennis Water District has not yet completed a public inventory of their lead service lines. This means the exact number of homes served by lead pipes is still unknown.
Why this matters
Lead service lines are the most common source of lead in drinking water. Even low levels of exposure can affect children's development. If your home was built before 1986 (when lead pipes were phased out), there's a reasonable chance your service line contains lead.
Not having a completed inventory doesn't mean there are no lead lines in the system—it means the work to identify them is still underway or pending.
What Dennis Water District should be doing
Federal law requires water systems to:
- Test water at homes served by lead or galvanized service lines
- Create an inventory of which homes have lead lines
- Develop a plan to replace those lines over time
- Provide information to residents about testing and treatment options
How to protect your water
While waiting for the utility's inventory:
- Get your water tested. Your local health department can direct you to certified labs. Testing is often affordable or free.
- Use a filter. NSF-certified pitchers or faucet filters can reduce lead if you run water briefly before drinking or cooking.
- Flush the line. Run cold water for 30 seconds before using it for drinking or cooking, especially if water has sat unused overnight.
- Avoid hot water. Lead leaches more easily from hot water; use cold water for drinking and cooking.
If you have young children or are pregnant, contact your pediatrician or local health department about testing.
Next steps for residents
- Contact Dennis Water District directly to ask about their lead service line inventory status and timeline for completion
- Request a water test through your local health department or a certified laboratory
- Check your home's age and records to learn when your service line was installed
- Ask your utility if your address is on a known lead line and what treatment or replacement options are available
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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 Dennis Water District have lead in the water?
The district hasn't yet published a complete inventory of lead service lines, so the extent of the problem is unknown. Many homes built before 1986 may be served by lead pipes. The best way to know your risk is to get your water tested.
How do I know if my home has a lead service line?
Contact Dennis Water District directly—they can tell you if your address is on a lead line based on their ongoing inventory work. If your home was built before 1986, the risk is higher. A plumber can also inspect your service line.
Is it safe to drink the water right now?
Dennis Water District is required to treat water to reduce lead corrosion. If you're concerned, use a filter, flush your line before drinking, or get your water tested. Contact your pediatrician if you have health concerns.
When will lead service lines be replaced?
The district hasn't published a replacement plan yet. Once their inventory is complete, they'll develop a timeline. Contact the utility to ask about their plans and whether funding is available for replacement assistance.