Salem, MA · PWSID MA3258000
Salem Water Department lead service lines
77 lead or galvanized lines to replace
Salem Water Department reported 61 lead and 16 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines out of 10,285 in its inventory. That's about 1 in 134 lines. Another 3,386 (33%) are still listed as unknown material.
Ranks #57 of 175 Massachusetts systems with confirmed lead lines, and #2,154 nationally.
0.7% of Salem Water Department'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 0.6%
- Galvanized (replace) 0.2%
- Unknown 33%
- Non-lead 66%
Total service lines reported: 10,285. Reported all required service line types. Population served: 44,480; 10,103 connections.
The most recent lead sampling period in EPA data (starting 01-JAN-2008) did not exceed the 15 ppb action level. Results are a 90th percentile across sampled homes, so individual homes can still be higher.
Progress since 2025 Q1
Reported lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines went from 77 in 2025 Q1 to 77 in 2026 Q3: no change. Lines of unknown material went from 3,386 to 3,386, 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 no Lead and Copper Rule violations for Salem Water Department since 2015. That covers testing, reporting, corrosion control and public notice requirements; it isn't a guarantee about any individual home.
Source: EPA SDWIS violation records for the Lead and Copper Rule.
Where the water comes from
Salem Water Department's main water source is purchased surface water. It buys treated water from Salem and Beverly Water Supply Board. The seller treats the water, including corrosion control that keeps lead from dissolving out of pipes, while Salem Water Department is responsible for its own service line inventory and replacement program. It sells water to 1 other water system: Pequot Highlands.
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 Salem Water Department 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 Essex County
Cities served
ZIP codes served
ZIP codes whose center falls inside Salem Water Department's mapped service area (EPA service area boundaries). Neighboring utilities may serve parts of the same ZIP.
01970
Other water systems nearby
| System | Lead + galv. | Unknown |
|---|---|---|
| Lynn Water and Sewer Comm | 283 | 7,765 |
| Haverhill Water Dept | 328 | 7,277 |
| Methuen Water Dept | 563 | 372 |
| Beverly Water Dept | 1,682 | 6 |
| Gloucester Public Utility Division | 648 | 4,639 |
| Saugus Water Dept. (Mwra) | 204 | 2,730 |
| Ipswich Dpu Water Dept | 350 | 215 |
| Rockport Water Dept | 157 | 1,566 |
Check another water system
Questions
Does Salem Water Department have lead pipes?
Yes. Salem Water Department reported 61 lead service lines and 16 galvanized lines that must be replaced, out of 10,285 total. 3,386 more are of unknown material.
How do I check if my home's service line is lead?
Look up your address on Salem Water Department'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 Salem Water Department 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 Salem Water Department had lead violations?
EPA's data shows no Lead and Copper Rule violations since 2015 for Salem Water Department.
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, "Salem Water Department lead service lines," https://leadpipemap.com/ma/salem-water-department/. Source: EPA SDWIS service line inventory, 2026 Q3. Download the full dataset on the data page.