Medford Lead Service Line Replacement Program
Medford Water Dept. (Mwra) serves about 61,700 people and reported 5,128 lead and 2 galvanized service lines that must be replaced, out of 14,683 lines, in EPA's Q3 2026 inventory, plus 4,657 lines of unknown material. Here's who pays to replace yours, what it costs, and how to sign up.
$1,000 rebate
Medford gives homeowners a $1,000 rebate toward replacing a lead service line, plus free water testing and a free inspection of the service line material for owners and tenants, under its 15-year lead removal program.
How to get it
- Call the Water Department at 781-393-2561 for a free inspection and water test.
- Ask about the $1,000 rebate before you hire a plumber.
- Keep receipts for the rebate.
Sources: medfordma.org, mwra.com
Lead lines in Medford
The most recent 90th-percentile lead result EPA lists for this system is 8.4 parts per billion (2026-01 to 2026-06). 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 Medford compares: it ranks #98 of 7,556 U.S. water systems and #2 of 175 in Massachusetts for lead and galvanized lines. 34.9% 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: 7813932502 · PWSID MA3176000
Medford 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 Medford Water Dept. (Mwra)'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.
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 Medford.
Common questions
Is lead service line replacement free in Medford?
Not fully free; it's a cost share ($1,000 rebate). Medford gives homeowners a $1,000 rebate toward replacing a lead service line, plus free water testing and a free inspection of the service line material for owners and tenants, under its 15-year lead removal program.
Is lead service line replacement mandatory in Medford?
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 Medford?
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 Medford Water Dept. (Mwra)'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 Medford Water Dept. (Mwra) 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 ✓Braintree ✓Malden ✓Boston ✓Cambridge ✓SomersetBeverlyEverett
Something out of date? Report a change. We recheck program terms at least once a year.