State guide
Massachusetts
Massachusetts generally treats the private portion of a service line as the homeowner’s responsibility, but MassDEP says some public water suppliers offer free or discounted replacement programs. Current official Massachusetts pages emphasize statewide service line inventories, local utility coordination, and financing through public water systems rather than direct state homeowner grants.
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- State lead service line page
- Official page →
Official resources in Massachusetts
State landing page for lead in drinking water, including Massachusetts service line inventory links and lead service line replacement information.
Explains how to check service line status, ownership, and that some public water suppliers may offer free or discounted replacement programs.
Describes Massachusetts replacement requirements and the utility notice/offer process when private-side replacement is needed.
Explains the state revolving fund pathway that public water systems use for inventory, planning, and full lead service line replacement projects.
Key facts for Massachusetts
- MassDEP says homeowners in the typical situation own the service line from the curb stop to the home.
- MassDEP says Massachusetts drinking water regulations do not require consumers to replace their lead service line.
- MassDEP says some public water suppliers may offer free or discounted service line replacement programs.
- MassDEP’s DWSRF lead service line replacement program accepts rolling applications from public water systems for full replacement projects.
Utility help for homeowners in Massachusetts
| Utility | city | program | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston Water and Sewer Commission | Boston | Lead Replacement Incentive Program | BWSC says private lead water service replacement under this program comes at no cost to the owner. |
| Cambridge Water Department | Cambridge | Lead Service Line Replacement Program | Cambridge says it covers replacement from the water main to the property line, while the owner pays the property side; when coordinated, about 75-80% of overall costs are typically handled by the City. |
| City of Somerville | Somerville | Lead Service Line Replacement Program | Somerville says the entire service, from the house to the water main, is replaced at no cost to the homeowner. |
| Concord Water | Concord | Lead Service Line Replacement Program | Concord says its in-house program offers a reduced-cost private-side replacement, estimated at $1,500, with an option for 12 interest-free installments on the water bill. |
| Town of Winchester | Winchester | Private Side Lead Service Replacement Program | Winchester says homeowners can receive a $1,500 rebate after a bonded contractor completes the private lead water service replacement and required documents are submitted. |
What to do next
- Search your address on your local water supplier’s inventory or ask for your recorded service-line material before hiring a contractor.
- If your utility already has a replacement or rebate program, ask whether private-side work must be coordinated with the public-side work to qualify.
- Before paying out of pocket, ask your utility whether a city-run no-cost, discounted, or rebate program is available for your address.
Helpful guides
- Who pays to replace the private side of a lead service line?
- Lead service line replacement grants, reimbursements and loans
- How to tell if your water service line is lead
- The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements: what homeowners need to know
Lead line cost-share estimator →