Massachusetts · population 673,458
Lead pipes in Boston, MA
2,449 lead or galvanized lines to replace
Most of Boston (population 673,458) gets its water from Boston Water and Sewer Commission (Mwra). That system reported 2,184 lead and 265 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines out of 99,945, with 4,180 more of unknown material.
2.5% of Boston Water and Sewer Commission (Mwra)'s service lines are lead or galvanized requiring replacement, about the same as the Massachusetts average (2.2%) and about the same as the national average (3.1%).
- Lead 2.2%
- Galvanized (replace) 0.3%
- Unknown 4.2%
- Non-lead 93%
Latest lead test for Boston Water and Sewer Commission (Mwra) (Jan 2026–Jun 2026): 5.8 ppb at the 90th percentile, against a 15 ppb federal action level. Full test history.
Compliance record: EPA lists 1 Lead and Copper Rule violation since 2015, 1 health-based, 1 still open for Boston Water and Sewer Commission (Mwra).
Water systems serving Boston
| Water system | Lead | Galv. | Unknown | % lead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston Water and Sewer Commission (Mwra)Main system | 2,184 | 265 | 4,180 | 2.5% |
| MwraAlso serves parts of the city | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Winthrop Water Division, (Mwra)Serves nearby areas | 539 | 0 | 0 | 12% |
Matched from EPA water system service area boundaries and the cities each system reports serving. Edges of the city may be served by a neighboring system; your water bill names your utility.
Check your address in Boston
The counts above cover the whole water system. To see whether your line is lead, look up your address on Boston Water and Sewer Commission (Mwra)'s official inventory. Utilities had to make these public by October 16, 2024.
No map yet? Do the 2-minute scratch and magnet test.
Protect your drinking water
If your line is lead, galvanized or unknown, use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead for drinking, cooking and baby formula, and use only cold water.
Choosing a lead-certified filter · Testing your water · Replacement cost
Nearby cities
Check another water system
Questions
Does Boston, MA have lead pipes?
Yes. Boston Water and Sewer Commission (Mwra), which serves Boston, reported 2,184 lead and 265 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines, plus 4,180 of unknown material.
Who supplies water to Boston?
EPA's service area maps place most of Boston in Boston Water and Sewer Commission (Mwra)'s service area (PWSID MA3035000). Mwra, Winthrop Water Division, (Mwra) also serve parts of the city or nearby areas.
How do I check whether my Boston home has a lead service line?
Search your address on Boston Water and Sewer Commission (Mwra)'s service line inventory map. You can also scratch the pipe where water enters your home: lead is soft, dull gray, scratches to shiny silver and doesn't attract a magnet.
When will lead pipes in Boston be replaced?
EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements require most systems to replace lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by December 31, 2037. Ask Boston Water and Sewer Commission (Mwra) whether your street is scheduled and whether it covers the private side.