Massachusetts · population 121,186
Lead pipes in Cambridge, MA
2,195 lead or galvanized lines to replace
Most of Cambridge (population 121,186) gets its water from Cambridge Water Department. That system reported 2,058 lead and 137 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines out of 15,041, with 104 more of unknown material.
15% of Cambridge Water Department's service lines are lead or galvanized requiring replacement, higher than the Massachusetts average (2.2%) and higher than the national average (3.1%).
- Lead 14%
- Galvanized (replace) 0.9%
- Unknown 0.7%
- Non-lead 85%
Latest lead test for Cambridge Water Department (Jan 2021–Dec 2023): 8 ppb at the 90th percentile, against a 15 ppb federal action level. Full test history.
Compliance record: EPA lists no Lead and Copper Rule violations since 2015 for Cambridge Water Department.
Water systems serving Cambridge
| Water system | Lead | Galv. | Unknown | % lead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cambridge Water DepartmentMain system | 2,058 | 137 | 104 | 15% |
| Boston Water and Sewer Commission (Mwra)Serves nearby areas | 2,184 | 265 | 4,180 | 2.5% |
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 Cambridge
The counts above cover the whole water system. To see whether your line is lead, look up your address on Cambridge Water Department'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 Cambridge, MA have lead pipes?
Yes. Cambridge Water Department, which serves Cambridge, reported 2,058 lead and 137 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines, plus 104 of unknown material.
Who supplies water to Cambridge?
EPA's service area maps place most of Cambridge in Cambridge Water Department's service area (PWSID MA3049000). Boston Water and Sewer Commission (Mwra) also serves parts of the city or nearby areas.
How do I check whether my Cambridge home has a lead service line?
Search your address on Cambridge Water Department'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 Cambridge 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 Cambridge Water Department whether your street is scheduled and whether it covers the private side.