Massachusetts · population 101,318
Lead pipes in New Bedford, MA
5,676 lead or galvanized lines to replace
Most of New Bedford (population 101,318) gets its water from City of New Bedford Dpi. That system reported 5,676 lead and 0 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines out of 26,066, with 14 more of unknown material.
22% of City of New Bedford Dpi'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 22%
- Galvanized (replace) 0%
- Unknown <0.1%
- Non-lead 78%
Latest lead test for City of New Bedford Dpi (Jan 2021–Dec 2023): 4.1 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 City of New Bedford Dpi.
Water systems serving New Bedford
| Water system | Lead | Galv. | Unknown | % lead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City of New Bedford DpiMain system | 5,676 | 0 | 14 | 22% |
| Fairhaven Water DeptServes nearby areas | 13 | 78 | 1,775 | 1.4% |
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 New Bedford
The counts above cover the whole water system. To see whether your line is lead, look up your address on City of New Bedford Dpi'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
- Fall River923 lead + galv. lines
- Taunton18 lead + galv. lines
- Bridgewater103 lead + galv. lines
- Attleboro844 lead + galv. lines
- Brockton650 lead + galv. lines
- North Attleborough148 lead + galv. lines
- Barnstableno lead reported
- Randolph8 lead + galv. lines
Check another water system
Questions
Does New Bedford, MA have lead pipes?
Yes. City of New Bedford Dpi, which serves New Bedford, reported 5,676 lead and 0 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines, plus 14 of unknown material.
Who supplies water to New Bedford?
EPA's service area maps place most of New Bedford in City of New Bedford Dpi's service area (PWSID MA4201000). Fairhaven Water Dept also serves parts of the city or nearby areas.
How do I check whether my New Bedford home has a lead service line?
Search your address on City of New Bedford Dpi'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 New Bedford 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 City of New Bedford Dpi whether your street is scheduled and whether it covers the private side.