MWRA Lead Service Line Inventory
The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) serves about 2.66 million people across the Boston area and surrounding communities. Like all water systems in the US, MWRA is required to inventory lead service lines—the pipes that connect the water main to individual homes—and make that information available to the public.
What MWRA has reported
MWRA draws its water from surface sources. The utility has not yet reported a completed lead service line inventory to the EPA, which means a full count of lead, galvanized, and non-lead service lines in the system is not yet public.
This does not mean there are no lead service lines. Many water systems across Massachusetts and New England have significant numbers of lead service lines, especially in older neighborhoods built before lead was phased out of plumbing codes in the 1980s.
Why this matters
Lead service lines are a direct pathway for lead to enter drinking water, especially in homes where water sits in pipes overnight or in buildings with certain water chemistry conditions. The EPA and CDC recommend that homes with potential lead exposure take simple precautions: run water cold for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking, use cold water for infant formula, and consider point-of-use filters certified for lead removal.
Getting information specific to your home
Your best next step is to contact MWRA directly to ask whether your address has a lead service line on record. Even if the utility's full inventory is not yet public, they may have information about your specific property. Many water systems maintain records by address even before they publish system-wide data.
You can also ask your local water department or the city/town that supplies your water. In some cases, local utilities have more detailed records than the regional authority.
If you own your home, you may be able to inspect the service line where it enters the building—lead pipes are gray, soft (you can scratch them with a coin), and often marked "Pb." Copper and plastic are the non-lead alternatives.
Next steps for residents
- Contact MWRA to ask if your address is associated with a lead service line.
- Reach out to your local water department for property-specific information.
- Use cold water for drinking and cooking until you know your service line material.
- Consider a certified lead filter if you're concerned; your water utility can recommend options.
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?
Contact MWRA or your local water department with your address—they may have records. You can also look where the water line enters your home; lead pipes are soft, gray, and can be scratched with a coin. Copper and plastic pipes are safe.
Is MWRA water safe to drink?
MWRA treats its water to meet EPA safety standards. However, if your home has a lead service line, lead can leach into the water inside your home. Running water cold for 30 seconds before use and using cold water for infant formula reduces exposure.
When will MWRA finish its lead service line inventory?
MWRA has not yet reported a completed inventory date to the EPA. Contact the utility directly to ask about their timeline and whether they have information about your property.
Can I remove lead from my water at home?
Yes. NSF-certified point-of-use filters can reduce lead in drinking water. Some faucet-mounted and pitcher filters are affordable options. Your water utility can recommend certified products.