Lead pipes in Bristol County, Massachusetts
How many lead pipes are in Bristol County, MA?
Water systems based in Bristol County reported 6,758 lead service lines, 3,210 galvanized lines that need replacing and 28,311 lines of unknown material to EPA (Q3 2026). New Bedford has the most, with 5,676 lead and galvanized lines.
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.
Confirmed programs in Bristol County
- New Bedford: City phases free; requests may cost the owner.
- Fall River: Grant-funded, public and private side.
Every Bristol County water system with lead lines
Systems are grouped by the county EPA lists as their main service area. Some serve towns in neighboring counties too.
| Water system | Lead | Galv. | Unknown | Program |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Bedford City of New Bedford Dpi | 5,676 | 0 | 14 | Replacing lines; ask about cost |
| Somerset Somerset Water Department | 0 | 2,171 | 3,096 | Not confirmed |
| Fall River Fall River Water Department | 906 | 17 | 4,892 | Replacing lines; ask about cost |
| Attleboro Attleboro Water Dept | 0 | 844 | 1,402 | Not confirmed |
| North Attleborough North Attleboro Water Dept | 148 | 0 | 5,691 | Not confirmed |
| Fairhaven Fairhaven Water Dept | 13 | 78 | 1,775 | Not confirmed |
| Seekonk Water District Seekonk Water District | 0 | 76 | 1,524 | Not confirmed |
| Taunton Taunton Water Division | 0 | 18 | 348 | Not confirmed |
| Dartmouth Dartmouth Water Division | 15 | 0 | 164 | Not confirmed |
| Dighton Water District Dighton Water District | 0 | 4 | 827 | Not confirmed |
| Easton Easton Water Div | 0 | 2 | 1,596 | Not confirmed |
| Norton Norton Water Department | 0 | 0 | 3,936 | Not confirmed |
| Mansfield Mansfield Water Division | 0 | 0 | 3,046 | Not confirmed |
Systems over the new 10 ppb lead action level
Fall River (12 ppb, 2025-01 to 2025-12). See all systems over 10 ppb.
Common questions
How many lead pipes are in Bristol County, MA?
Water systems based in Bristol County reported 6,758 lead service lines, 3,210 galvanized lines that need replacing and 28,311 lines of unknown material to EPA (Q3 2026). New Bedford has the most, with 5,676 lead and galvanized lines.
Who pays to replace lead service lines in Bristol County?
It depends on your water utility. Massachusetts 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. We have confirmed programs for 2 Bristol County utilities, listed on this page.
How do I find out if my house has a lead service line?
Look up your address on your water utility's service line inventory map, or check the pipe where it enters your home: lead is dull gray, soft, scratches to shiny silver, and a magnet won't stick. See our step-by-step guide.
Other Massachusetts counties
Middlesex CountyNorfolk CountyEssex CountySuffolk CountyPlymouth CountyMassachusetts →