Massachusetts Lead Service Line Replacement Programs

Massachusetts water systems reported 28,562 lead and 13,175 galvanized service lines that must be replaced (EPA, Q3 2026). Below: the state rule on who pays, and every Massachusetts utility with at least 1,000 such lines or a confirmed program.

Each utility decides

Federal Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (40 CFR 141 Subpart I)

This state has no law we found that decides who pays for the private side of a lead service line, so each utility sets its own policy. Under the federal rule, utilities must replace every lead line and galvanized line that needs it within ten years of November 1, 2027, but the rule does not make utilities pay for the owner's side. Federal infrastructure money passed through the state revolving fund can pay for it, so many utilities offer free or discounted replacement, especially for low-income owners.

Mandatory? No state owner mandate found; the federal rule requires most utilities to replace all lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by 2037.

Funding: State Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (federal lead service line money).

Sources: epa.gov

Utilities listed9

Free programs1

Other programs5

Not yet confirmed3

Utility	Lead	Galv.	Program
New Bedford City of New Bedford Dpi	5,676	0	Utility program
Medford Medford Water Dept. (Mwra)	5,128	2	Cost share
Braintree Braintree Water and Sewer Dept.	3,448	40	Owner pays
Malden Malden Water Division (Mwra)	2,460	10	Loan
Boston Boston Water and Sewer Commission (Mwra)	2,184	265	Free
Cambridge Cambridge Water Department	2,058	137	Cost share
Somerset Somerset Water Department	0	2,171	Not confirmed
Beverly Beverly Water Dept	3	1,679	Not confirmed
Everett Everett Water Dept. (Mwra)	1,071	2	Not confirmed

Compare: lead lines in every state · cities with the most lead pipes · free programs in Massachusetts

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Common questions

Who pays to replace lead service lines in Massachusetts?

Is lead service line replacement mandatory in Massachusetts?

No state owner mandate found; the federal rule requires most utilities to replace all lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by 2037.

How many lead service lines are in Massachusetts?

Water systems in Massachusetts reported 28,562 lead service lines, 13,175 galvanized lines that need replacement and 336,794 lines of unknown material to EPA (Q3 2026), across 190 reporting systems.

Where can I get help paying in Massachusetts?

Start with your water utility's program; the table on this page shows what we've confirmed. State money flows through: State Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (federal lead service line money). If your utility has no program, see our guide to paying for replacement.