FALL RIVER WATER DEPARTMENT Lead Service Line Inventory
What We Know About Lead in Fall River's Water System
Fall River Water Department serves about 94,000 people in Massachusetts. The utility gets its water from surface sources.
Lead service line inventory status: Not yet available
As of now, Fall River Water Department has not published a complete inventory of lead service lines in its system. This doesn't mean there are no lead pipes—it means the utility is still in the process of identifying and cataloging them, as required by federal law.
Why This Matters
Lead service lines are pipes that connect the water main in the street to homes. When water sits in lead pipes, lead can dissolve into it. Even small amounts of lead in drinking water can be harmful, especially for children and pregnant people.
Many older cities, including Fall River, have lead service lines still in the ground. The only way to know if your home has one is through an inventory or a direct test.
What Fall River Is Doing
Water systems are required by the EPA to complete lead service line inventories and develop replacement plans. Fall River Water Department is working toward this goal. The utility should be able to tell you whether your address has a known lead service line, a non-lead pipe, or an unknown status.
You can also request a water test through your utility or a certified lab to check for lead at your tap.
Next Steps for Residents
- Contact Fall River Water Department to ask about your specific address and whether it has a lead service line on file.
- Request a free or low-cost water test from your utility to check for lead at your kitchen sink.
- If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your pediatrician or doctor about lead exposure and next steps.
- Check the EPA's My Water's Fluoridation or local health department for additional resources on water safety in your area.
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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 Fall River have lead in the water?
Fall River Water Department is still completing its inventory of lead service lines. Lead may be present in older pipes connecting homes to the water main, but an official count is not yet available. Contact the utility for your specific address or request a tap water test.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Call Fall River Water Department to ask about your address. You can also hire a plumber to inspect your pipes or request a water test from a certified lab. Visual inspection of exposed pipes in basements or crawl spaces may show lead (soft, dull gray metal), but professional testing is most reliable.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Fall River?
Fall River Water Department treats and tests water to meet federal safety standards. However, if you're concerned about lead, especially with children in the home, you can request a free or low-cost water test from the utility or have one done privately. The CDC recommends flushing lines before drinking if water has sat unused for several hours.
How do I get my water tested for lead?
Contact Fall River Water Department to ask about free or reduced-cost testing programs. You can also hire a state-certified laboratory to test your water. Collect samples from the cold water tap where you drink or cook, following the lab's instructions.