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City of Melrose Releases Important Information for Older Homes and Water Connections

Posted on: December 27, 2021 - 12:41pm
Photo of a glass of water

MELROSE, MA – The City of Melrose recently released important information relevant to older homes and water connections in a letter that the City sent to all water customers. The letter describes ways to ensure that the water residents are drinking is lead-free.

The letter also assures residents that the water coming from the City’s water main in the street has no lead and meets all state and federal drinking water quality standards. However, the City urges residents to read their letters, which state that lead can come from several locations between the City’s water main and your tap, as described below.

One of the most important steps to determining whether residents drinking water has the potential for lead is to determine the material of your home’s water service line, which is the pipe that connects homes or business to the water main in the street. If residents do not know your water service material and would like to find out if it contains lead, please contact the Mayor’s Office at 781-979-4440 during regular business hours; Monday through Thursday, between 8:30am and 4:00pm, and Fridays, 8:30a.m. to 1:00p.m.

Whether or not residents have a lead water service, older homes may also have lead in solder in internal plumbing or in older brass fixtures. For this reason, the City suggests that all customers follow these steps to be sure that the water you are drinking is fresh:

  • Most importantly, flush the tap until after the water feels cold before use. The flushing of your tap ensures the best quality water.
  • Never use hot water from the faucet for drinking or cooking, and especially when making baby formula.
  • Never boil water to remove lead. Boiling water for an extended time may make lead more concentrated.
  • Check your plumbing to make sure it is not adding lead to your water.

For more information, please visit cityofmelrose.org/water-and-sewer-billing/pages/melroses-drinking-water-quality