Malden replaces more than 265 lead water lines this year

The City of Malden announced Oct. 15 that it has replaced more than 265 lead service lines this year and is on pace to surpass its target of 330 lines removed in 2026, as part of an ongoing effort to eliminate lead from the city's drinking water system.

The work is being carried out in conjunction with the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority's loan and grant program and with the help of a $10 million EPA grant. Malden also exceeded its planned removals in 2025, which the city attributed to coordination between the Mayor's office, elected officials and community organizations.

The effort is part of Malden's Lead Service Line Replacement Program, which aims to remove all lead water lines and services in the city by 2032. "Ensuring safe, clean drinking water is one of our highest priorities, and our community deserves nothing less," Mayor Gary Christenson said in the release. He credited the city's Engineering Department, Water Department and partnerships with residents, organizations and elected officials for the progress, saying that commitment "is driving us toward a fully lead-free water system by 2032."

Lead service lines are the small pipes that connect individual properties to the city's water mains. Malden's and the MWRA's main distribution pipes do not contain lead, but older properties may still have lead service lines or other plumbing that could introduce lead into drinking water.

Residents can check the city's lead service-line map to see whether their property may have a lead or galvanized service line. Those with questions or seeking an inspection can contact the Malden Engineering Department at 781-397-7040.

Source: Town of Malden announcement, October 15, 2026.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the original announcement.