Lead Service Lines in New Bedford, Massachusetts
The City of New Bedford DPI serves about 101,000 people. Like many older cities in New England, New Bedford has water pipes laid over decades—some dating back more than a century. Lead service lines (the pipes connecting the water main to individual homes) were common in that era.
What we know about New Bedford's lead pipes
The City of New Bedford DPI has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines in its system. This means the utility does not yet have a public count of how many homes may have lead pipes. That inventory work is a requirement under federal lead and copper rule updates, and utilities across the country are working through it now.
What's a lead service line? It's the pipe that runs from the water main (buried under the street) to your home's water meter or foundation. If your home was built or connected before the 1980s, there's a real chance your service line is lead—especially in New England.
Why this matters
Lead doesn't rust away or become less toxic over time. Even low-level exposure, especially for young children and pregnant people, can affect development and learning. The good news: lead in water is preventable. A water filter certified for lead removal, or replacing the service line entirely, both work.
Next steps for residents
- Contact the City of New Bedford DPI directly to ask about your property. They can tell you if your service line is known to be lead, galvanized (which may contain lead), or confirmed safe.
- Get your water tested if you're concerned. You can buy an affordable test kit or ask the utility for resources.
- Use a certified filter (NSF 53 or 58 certified for lead) on your drinking and cooking water while you investigate further.
- Talk to your pediatrician or call the CDC (1-800-CDC-INFO) if anyone in your home is pregnant or under six years old.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
How do I know if my house has a lead service line in New Bedford?
Contact the City of New Bedford DPI directly—they can check your property address against their records. You can also ask them to inspect the line where it enters your home if you have a basement or crawl space. A plumber can also identify the material.
Is lead in my water dangerous?
Yes. Lead has no safe level of exposure. Even small amounts can harm children's brain development. For health concerns, contact your pediatrician or the CDC at 1-800-CDC-INFO.
Can I remove lead from my tap water myself?
A water filter certified NSF 53 or NSF 58 for lead removal can reduce it significantly. These are available at hardware stores. For a permanent fix, the utility or a licensed plumber can replace your lead service line.
Who pays to replace a lead service line in Massachusetts?
Contact the City of New Bedford DPI about any utility-funded replacement programs. Some costs may fall to the homeowner; programs vary by utility and funding.