Cambridge Lead Service Line Replacement Program
Cambridge Water Department serves about 118,214 people and reported 2,058 lead and 137 galvanized service lines that must be replaced, out of 15,041 lines, in EPA's Q3 2026 inventory, plus 104 lines of unknown material. Here's who pays to replace yours, what it costs, and how to sign up.
City pays about 75-80% when done together
The Cambridge Water Department replaces the public side of lead lines at no cost, and when the owner replaces the private side at the same time, the city typically covers about 75% to 80% of the overall cost. Some city construction projects replace verified lead lines at no charge to homeowners. Free test kits and pipe identification are available.
How to get it
- Ask the Cambridge Water Department to verify your service line material.
- Ask whether your street is in a city project with free replacement.
- Coordinate private-side work with the public side to get the cost share.
Sources: cambridgema.gov, cambridgema.gov
Lead lines in Cambridge
The most recent 90th-percentile lead result EPA lists for this system is 8 parts per billion (2021-01 to 2023-12). Under the new federal rule, the action level drops to 10 ppb in 2027. Galvanized lines count if they ever sat downstream of a lead pipe, because they can hold lead particles. Unknown lines must be identified by the utility, and many turn out to be lead.
How Cambridge compares: it ranks #221 of 7,556 U.S. water systems and #6 of 175 in Massachusetts for lead and galvanized lines. 14.6% of its service lines need replacing, compared with 2.9% across Massachusetts. See the national ranking.
Source: EPA SDWIS Service Line Inventory, Q3 2026 · Utility phone: 6173494770 · PWSID MA3049000
Cambridge lead service line map: check your address
Every water utility had to publish an inventory of its service lines, and most offer an address lookup map. Start with Cambridge Water Department's official lead program page, which links to its lookup or explains how to get your line checked. The status will be lead, galvanized requiring replacement, non-lead or unknown. If it's unknown, you can usually check the pipe yourself and send the utility a photo.
Communities and ZIP codes served
ZIP codes: 02138, 02139, 02140, 02141, 02142
Who pays in Massachusetts?
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.
The law: Federal Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (40 CFR 141 Subpart I). 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
Nationwide, EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements require most utilities to replace every lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement line by December 31, 2037, starting November 1, 2027. Utilities must mail a notice every year to each home with a lead, galvanized or unknown line. See the federal timeline.
What would you pay?
Many utility loans are 0% (enter 0). Private loans run higher. Your real price depends on how far the house sits from the street, digging versus trenchless methods, permits and restoration. This is an estimate, not a quote.
Not covered, or can't wait?
Get up to 3 quotes from licensed plumbers who replace service lines in Cambridge.
Common questions
Is lead service line replacement free in Cambridge?
Not fully free; it's a cost share (City pays about 75-80% when done together). The Cambridge Water Department replaces the public side of lead lines at no cost, and when the owner replaces the private side at the same time, the city typically covers about 75% to 80% of the overall cost.
Is lead service line replacement mandatory in Cambridge?
No state owner mandate found; the federal rule requires most utilities to replace all lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by 2037.
How much does it cost to replace a lead service line in Cambridge?
Most private-side replacements cost about $4,000 to $10,000, and long or difficult lines can run higher. Price depends on the distance from the street to your house, whether the contractor digs a trench or pulls the new pipe through (trenchless), permits, and restoring your lawn, sidewalk or basement wall.
How do I know if my home has a lead service line?
Look up your address on Cambridge Water Department's service line inventory or check the letter it mailed you. You can also check the pipe where it enters your basement, usually near the meter: lead is dull gray, soft, and turns shiny silver when you scratch it with a key, and a magnet won't stick. Galvanized steel is gray too, but a magnet sticks to it. See our step-by-step guide.
What if I can't afford to replace my lead line?
Ask Cambridge Water Department about income-based help first; federal money often makes replacement free for low-income owners. Other options are utility payment plans, 0% city loans, state revolving fund programs, property tax assessments and home improvement loans. Our guide on paying for replacement lists them.
Who owns the water service line?
In most U.S. cities the utility owns the pipe from the water main to the curb stop or property line, and the property owner owns the rest, into the house. Some utilities, including Minneapolis and many in St. Louis County, treat the whole line as the owner's. Federal rules now require utilities to replace the whole lead line, not just their part.
Other Massachusetts programs
New Bedford ✓Medford ✓Braintree ✓Malden ✓Boston ✓SomersetBeverlyEverett
Something out of date? Report a change. We recheck program terms at least once a year.