FOX25 Investigates: Lead water problem plaguing communities

MALDEN, Mass. — The aging infrastructure may be to blame for higher levels of lead in the drinking water of several communities.

FOX25 Investigates learned that there are tens of thousands of lead service lines feeding homes and other buildings.

Now communities are racing to replace them.

One City’s Struggle

The Malden Department of Public Works estimates there are 2,700 lead service lines, some that date back to the 1890s.

“Anything that's over 100-years-old, those are the ones that we address first,” said Bob Knox, the director of Public Works in Malden.

Over the past few years, workers have replaced an estimated 1500 lines.

>>READ MORE: 21 cities and downs working with MassDEP on lead in water

A larger issue

Malden is one of 51 communities that receives its water through the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority.

The MWRA says the water itself is lead free, but the company is now working to help communities replace lead lines.

Over the last few years, they have replaced 6,000 lead service pipes, however, 28,000 lead pipes remain, about 5% of all water lines.

“It's only that short section between the water main and the street and your home where there is a lead service that we're trying to deal with,” explained Fred Laskey, the MWRA Executive Director.

The MWRA is now working to remove the pipes because lead exposure can cause major medical issues, especially in children.

“A child that has varying levels of lead over varying period of time will see IQ diminish and other health issues come about,” said Laskey.

Homeowner’s Worry

Gerald Mazzeo has lived in Malden for decades and always assumed his water was safe to drink.

But recently, public works crews were replacing the pipes carrying to his home because they were made of lead.

“It's something you never really think of,” he told FOX25.

Homeowners are responsible for replacing the section of lead pipe under their property which can cost about $5,000.

Mazzeo said it is something he will look into.

Getting Your Water Tested

Before taking that step, many homeowners choose to have their water tested.

Tests cost $12-$80 and results come back in 3-10 days.

David Kahler runs GeoLabs Inc, in Braintree, a DEP certified lab for testing lead in drinking water

He said the Flint, Michigan water crisis has brought drinking water safety to the forefront.

Under federal law, water has to contain no more than 10 parts of lead per billion.

“We recently had sent out a lead sample and it came out at 400 parts per billion from the source,” he said

Kahler recommends you take a water sample when you wake up because the standing water contains the highest levels of lead.

He also said this is where your personal habits can impact how much lead you could drink.

“For example, if you shower first in the morning, you clear the standing water in your pipes. If you make coffee first, you will get the first blush of water,” he explained.

He suggests running your water first thing in the morning and putting filters on your faucets.

But experts say you only eliminate the risk completely by replacing any lead pipe.

Cox Media Group