City warns of potential for elevated lead levels in drinking water

  Every six months, the City of Malden works with the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) to test water for lead levels at 15 sites that are likely to have lead components. For the test period ending December 31, 2021, two of the sites did result in elevated levels of lead, which put Malden in the 87th percentile rather than the acceptable 90 percent. Lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Please visit www.cityofmalden.org/lead for important information about lead in drinking water, the health effects of lead and what can be done to reduce or eliminate lead in drinking water.

  How to reduce lead exposure:

• If your water has gone unused for more than six hours, run any faucet used for drinking or cooking until it is consistently cold (usually about 30 seconds to two minutes) before drinking or cooking with it. The flushing of your tap ensures the best quality water.
• Use only cold water for drinking, cooking and making baby formula/food for infants. Please note that boiling water does not eliminate lead. If there is lead in your water, boiling it will increase lead levels.

  Other steps that can be taken include installing water filters that meet the standard for effective lead reduction, identifying if your plumbing fixtures or water piping contain lead and replacing them and having your water tested. Replace your private lead water service pipe with a new copper service pipe.

  The Engineering Department will provide free testing of water for any homeowner or tenant as well as an inspection of water service to determine material. For further information call 781-397-7040 or email leadinfo@cityofmalden.org.