Lowell, MA · PWSID MA3160000
Lowell Regional Water Utility lead service lines
287 lead or galvanized lines to replace
Lowell Regional Water Utility reported 274 lead and 13 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines out of 26,989 in its inventory. That's about 1 in 94 lines. Another 1,558 (5.8%) are still listed as unknown material.
Ranks #27 of 175 Massachusetts systems with confirmed lead lines, and #981 nationally.
1.1% of Lowell Regional Water Utility's service lines are lead or galvanized requiring replacement. That's lower than the Massachusetts average (2.2%) and lower than the national average (3.1%).
- Lead 1.0%
- Galvanized (replace) <0.1%
- Unknown 5.8%
- Non-lead 93%
Total service lines reported: 26,989. Reported all required service line types. Population served: 120,418; 26,043 connections.
Lead test results
Lowell Regional Water Utility's most recent 90th-percentile lead result (2025) was not detected, below both the 15 ppb action level and the 10 ppb level that takes effect in 2027. This means 90% of homes sampled were at or below that level; individual homes, especially those with lead lines, can be higher.
Lead and Copper Rule 90th-percentile results reported to EPA, in parts per billion. Dashed lines: 15 ppb action level and the 10 ppb level from November 1, 2027.
Progress since 2025 Q1
Reported lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines went from 287 in 2025 Q1 to 287 in 2026 Q3: no change. Lines of unknown material went from 1,558 to 1,558, no change.
Quarterly counts reported to EPA. A drop usually means lines were replaced or confirmed non-lead; a rise usually means more lines were identified. Replacement progress rankings.
Lead rule violations
EPA's data lists 3 Lead and Copper Rule violations since 2015, 1 health-based, 1 still open for Lowell Regional Water Utility. Health-based violations are treatment failures, such as corrosion control or public education; the rest are missed monitoring or reporting.
| Began | Violation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 2023 | Lead consumer notice not delivered or reported | Open |
| Jul 2017 | Water quality parameters out of range health-based | Closed |
| Jun 2015 | Missed follow-up or routine lead and copper tap sampling | Returned to compliance |
Source: EPA SDWIS violation records for the Lead and Copper Rule.
Where the water comes from
Lowell Regional Water Utility's main water source is surface water (rivers, lakes or reservoirs). It sells water to 5 other water systems: East Chelmsford Water District, Dracut Water Supply District, Kenwood Water District, Tewksbury Water Department, Tyngsborough Water District.
Source: EPA SDWIS water system and facility records.
Check your own address
These counts cover the whole system. To see whether your line is lead, use the utility's address-level inventory. Utilities had to prepare one by October 16, 2024 and make it publicly accessible; systems serving more than 50,000 people must post it online.
No map yet? Do the 2-minute scratch and magnet test on the pipe where water enters your home.
Protect your drinking water now
If your line is lead, galvanized or unknown, filter water for drinking, cooking and baby formula. Use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead. Run cold water for a few minutes after it sits for hours, and never use hot tap water for cooking.
How to pick a lead-certified filter · How to test your water for lead
Getting the line replaced
EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements require most systems to replace lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by December 31, 2037. Ask Lowell Regional Water Utility whether it replaces the private side for free or with a cost share before you hire anyone. If you want it done sooner, or your utility doesn't cover your side, a licensed plumber can quote it. What replacement costs.
County pages: Lead pipes in Middlesex County
Cities served
ZIP codes served
ZIP codes whose center falls inside Lowell Regional Water Utility's mapped service area (EPA service area boundaries). Neighboring utilities may serve parts of the same ZIP.
01850018510185201854
Other water systems nearby
| System | Lead + galv. | Unknown |
|---|---|---|
| Cambridge Water Department | 2,195 | 104 |
| Newton Water Dept. (Mwra) | 287 | 77 |
| Malden Water Division (Mwra) | 2,470 | 689 |
| Medford Water Dept. (Mwra) | 5,130 | 4,657 |
| Everett Water Dept. (Mwra) | 1,073 | 1,428 |
| Marlborough DPW Water Div. (Mwra) | 313 | 1,503 |
| Lexington Water Dept. (Mwra) | 333 | 78 |
| Melrose Water Division (Mwra) | 423 | 263 |
Check another water system
Questions
Does Lowell Regional Water Utility have lead pipes?
Yes. Lowell Regional Water Utility reported 274 lead service lines and 13 galvanized lines that must be replaced, out of 26,989 total. 1,558 more are of unknown material.
How do I check if my home's service line is lead?
Look up your address on Lowell Regional Water Utility's official service line inventory, which utilities must make publicly available. You can also scratch the pipe where it enters your home: lead is soft, dull gray, scratches to shiny silver and does not attract a magnet.
When will Lowell Regional Water Utility replace lead service lines?
Under EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, most systems must replace lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by December 31, 2037, starting from November 1, 2027. The rule is being challenged in court, so dates could change. Many utilities run free or cost-share programs now.
Has Lowell Regional Water Utility had lead violations?
EPA's data shows 3 Lead and Copper Rule violations since 2015, 1 health-based, 1 still open for Lowell Regional Water Utility.
Which water filters remove lead?
Use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead reduction, or NSF/ANSI 58 for reverse osmosis. Check the certification on NSF's listings, not just the box.
Embed or cite this data
Local news sites, blogs and community groups can embed this card. It updates when EPA releases new data.
Citation: Lead Pipe Map, "Lowell Regional Water Utility lead service lines," https://leadpipemap.com/ma/lowell-regional-water-utility/. Source: EPA SDWIS service line inventory, 2026 Q3. Download the full dataset on the data page.