Water Service Line Inventory

Webpage URL: https://www.tewksbury-ma.gov/LSLI

TEWKSBURY WATER DEPARTMENT

PWS ID 3295000

SERVICE LINE INVENTORY


Dear Tewksbury Water Department Customers:

In October 2024, the Tewksbury Department of Public Works prepared an initial inventory of water service line materials in Tewksbury’s water distribution system based on available records. A service line is the pipe that brings water from the water main in the street into a building, and generally consists of two parts; the “public” side, which runs from the water main in the street to the curb stop (shutoff valve near the sidewalk or property line) and the “private” side, which runs from the curb stop into the building. In our water system, the Tewksbury DPW Water Division is responsible for the “public” portion of the service line, while the property owner is responsible for the “private” portion, generally separated by the curb stop. Our initial review of records revealed that the Town has either no information or incomplete information on the existing service lines for a large number of properties throughout the Town of Tewksbury.

Graphic of an example water line.

In the Fall of 2024, drinking water notices were mailed out to properties which have been identified as having service lines with unknown material classification, service lines that are galvanized requiring replacement, and service lines that are confirmed to contain lead.

In December 2025, similar notices will be mailed out to properties which have services with unknown material classification or service lines that are galvanized requiring replacement.  To date, there have been no service lines that have been identified as containing lead.

A paper copy of the December 2, 2025 Service Line Inventory may be viewed at the Tewksbury Department of Public Works, 999 Whipple Road, Tewksbury, MA during normal DPW business hours. It may also be viewed online: Water Service Line Inventory (PDF).

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) have also developed web-based tools with which you can help determine if your water service line is made of lead. The Tewksbury DPW encourages all users to utilize these tools.

Step 1: IDENTIFICATION                

A QR Code for Protect Your Tap.

Use EPA’s Protect Your Tap: A Quick Check for Lead (Click the previous link or scan the QR code to the left) to help you determine if your service line is made of lead. This guide uses pictures and step-by-step directions to identify lead service lines and provides resources to learn more. Within the guide, choose Municipal Water and go to the section: “Find Your Water Line/Service Line.”


Step 2: SNAP A PICTURE OF YOUR SERVICE LINE and UPLOAD   

A QR Code for Service Line ID.Use the MassDEP-sponsored web application for consumers, the Mass Lead Service Line Identification (MA-LSLI) Web App (Click the previous link or scan the QR code to the left). The app may be accessed on your mobile device or any computer online. Please note you do not need to download anything to your mobile device or computer. All you need to do is take a photo, upload it to the ‘app’ website and answer a few basic questions, such as name and address). EPA’s Protect Your Tap: A Quick Check for Lead guide document will help you know where to take the photo. Once completed, you’ll be one step closer to safer drinking water! 

WHAT WILL WE DO WHEN WE GET YOUR SUBMISSION?

Once we receive your submission, we will review the information and photo provided to confirm your service line material. If we are unable to confirm the material from the information provided, we will contact you to schedule an appointment for on-site inspection by a representative of Tewksbury DPW Water Division.

IN-HOME INSPECTIONS DURING WATER METER TRANSMISSION UNIT (MTU) CHANGE OUT PROGRAM

In-home inspections are being performed by DPW Water Division staff or their contracted personnel as part of the Town's ongoing Water Meter Transmission Unit (MTU) Change Out Program.  Water MTU change outs are occurring now through July 1, 2027.

We look forward to your interest and participation in this important water system inventory project!

If you have any questions, please contact waterinfo@tewksbury-ma.gov. 

Sincerely, 

Tewksbury Department of Public Works

What You Should Know About Lead


Lead can get into tap water through the service line that connects your home to the water main if it is made of lead. Lead may also come from lead solder used to connect pipes in home plumbing, and from some faucets and fixtures.

When lead is present in water, it is typically due to the water flowing through service lines or internal pipes or plumbing in buildings with lead pipes or plumbing with lead solder or brass. Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups. Infants and children can have decreases in IQ and attention span. Lead exposure can lead to new learning and behavior problems or exacerbate existing learning and behavior problems. The children of women who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy can have increased risk of these adverse health effects Adults can have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney or nervous system problems. Because lead may pose serious health risks, both the EPA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) agree that “there is no known safe level of lead in a child’s blood”.

If you think you have a lead service line and want to reduce your exposure to lead you should do the following: 

  • Use only cold, fresh water for drinking, cooking, and preparing baby formula. Run the water for at least 1 minute or until after it turns cold.
  • Do not boil the water to remove lead.
  • Check whether your home has a lead service line. IF YOU DO, HAVE IT REMOVED.

For more information on lead visit Mass DEP's Lead in Drinking Water website.