Massachusetts · population 29,938
Lead pipes in Melrose, MA
423 lead or galvanized lines to replace
Most of Melrose (population 29,938) gets its water from Melrose Water Division (Mwra). That system reported 400 lead and 23 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines out of 7,966, with 263 more of unknown material.
5.3% of Melrose Water Division (Mwra)'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 5.0%
- Galvanized (replace) 0.3%
- Unknown 3.3%
- Non-lead 91%
Latest lead test for Melrose Water Division (Mwra) (2025): 10.2 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 Melrose Water Division (Mwra).
Water systems serving Melrose
| Water system | Lead | Galv. | Unknown | % lead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melrose Water Division (Mwra)Main system | 400 | 23 | 263 | 5.3% |
| Saugus Water Dept. (Mwra)Serves nearby areas | 136 | 68 | 2,730 | 2.1% |
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 Melrose
The counts above cover the whole water system. To see whether your line is lead, look up your address on Melrose Water Division (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 Melrose, MA have lead pipes?
Yes. Melrose Water Division (Mwra), which serves Melrose, reported 400 lead and 23 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines, plus 263 of unknown material.
Who supplies water to Melrose?
EPA's service area maps place most of Melrose in Melrose Water Division (Mwra)'s service area (PWSID MA3178000). Saugus Water Dept. (Mwra) also serves parts of the city or nearby areas.
How do I check whether my Melrose home has a lead service line?
Search your address on Melrose Water Division (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 Melrose 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 Melrose Water Division (Mwra) whether your street is scheduled and whether it covers the private side.