Lead Service Lines in Falmouth, Massachusetts

Falmouth Water Department serves nearly 98,000 people across the town. If you're concerned about lead in your drinking water, this page explains what we know about the system's lead service line inventory and what you can do.

What is a lead service line?

A lead service line is the pipe that connects your home to the public water main in the street. If your house was built before 1986, there's a meaningful chance your service line contains lead—particularly if it was installed before the 1970s. Lead can leach into drinking water, especially if water is corrosive or sits in pipes for hours.

What we know about Falmouth's inventory

Falmouth Water Department has not yet published a public inventory of lead service lines. The utility has not reported how many lines are known to be lead, galvanized (which can also release lead), or non-lead.

This doesn't mean Falmouth has a lead problem—it means the inventory work is still in progress or the data hasn't been shared publicly yet. Massachusetts water systems are required to maintain and eventually share this information under state and federal rules.

Why this matters for you

If you don't know whether your service line is lead, you cannot assume it's safe. The only way to know is to:

1. Ask your utility directly. Falmouth Water Department can tell you if they have records of your line's material. 2. Hire a plumber to inspect the exposed portion of your line where it enters your home (usually in the basement or crawlspace). A magnet test can help identify lead. 3. Get your water tested. A certified lab can measure lead in a sample from your tap. This is the most practical way to know if lead is actually reaching your home, since water treatment and pipe conditions matter too.

If you have young children or are pregnant

Lead exposure is a serious health concern for infants, young children, and pregnant people. If you're worried about exposure, contact your pediatrician or the CDC's National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323).

Next steps for residents

• Contact Falmouth Water Department directly to ask if they have records of your service line material or if they can schedule an inspection.
• Request your water be tested for lead through your local health department or a certified private lab.
• Check your home for exposed service line pipes in the basement or crawlspace and note the color and texture (lead is dull gray and soft).
• Visit the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection website for more guidance on lead service lines and treatment options.

```json [ { "q": "Does Falmouth have lead in the water?", "a": "Falmouth Water Department has not published a public inventory of lead service lines yet. Lead in drinking water depends on whether your home's service line is made of lead and on water chemistry. The only way to know if lead is reaching your tap is to get your water tested by a certified lab." }, { "q": "How do I know if my service line is lead?", "a": "Contact Falmouth Water Department to ask if they have records of your line's material. You can also have a plumber inspect the exposed portion where your line enters your home, or get your water tested at a certified lab to measure lead directly." }, { "q": "Is lead in water dangerous for kids?", "a": "Yes. Lead exposure is particularly harmful to young children and can affect brain development. If you're concerned about your child's exposure, contact your pediatrician or call the CDC's National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD." }, { "q": "How can I reduce lead in my tap water?", "a": "Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking if water has sat in pipes overnight. Use only cold water for cooking and drinking. If testing shows high lead levels, your