FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10/17/2024
For further information, contact:
Susan Scully Petroni
City of Framingham Public Information Officer
spetroni@framinghamma.gov
508-782-8629
City of Framingham Launches New Water Service Line Information Page to Promote Transparency and Awareness About Lead in Drinking Water
FRAMINGHAM - The City of Framingham is committed to ensuring the safety and health of its residents. As part of our ongoing efforts to promote transparency and raise awareness about lead in drinking water, the City has launched a new Water Service Line Information Page. This page provides residents with important information about their water service lines and features an interactive map depicting the results of the City's comprehensive Water Service Line Inventory.
Lead, a metal once used in the construction of water service lines and plumbing fixtures, poses a serious health hazard when ingested, especially for infants, children, and pregnant women. Exposure to lead can lead to brain and nervous system damage, speech and hearing problems, and developmental delays. While the use of lead in drinking water systems is now banned, older pipes and plumbing may still contain lead.
The City of Framingham has worked diligently over the past two decades to remove lead water service lines from our water system. Through capital improvement projects and regular maintenance, we have identified and removed known lead service lines. Based on our best available records, no known lead service lines remain in the City's drinking water system.
However, under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), effective in October 2024, all public water systems must compile and publicly share a service line inventory. In response, the Framingham Water Division, in collaboration with our consultant Green International Affiliates, Inc., has completed the City's Water Service Line Inventory. This inventory identifies lead and lead-containing water service lines throughout Framingham and presents the data in a user-friendly, interactive map.
The Water Service Line Information Page allows residents to:
- View the Water Service Line Inventory Map to see the status of water service lines in their area
- Learn about the sources of lead in drinking water and how the City monitors and addresses lead contamination
- Access information about water service line ownership, new connections, and repairs
"Framingham is dedicated to ensuring the safety of our water supply. We encourage residents to use this resource to stay informed and to contact the Water Division with any questions they may have,” said Mayor Charlie Sisitsky.
“The Framingham Water Division is incredibly grateful to the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust, who was responsible for providing Framingham with a grant to complete our Water Service Line Inventory. Only with the tremendous efforts of our consultant, Green International Affiliates, Inc., collaborative work with our talented and dedicated DPW staff, and incredible cooperation from Framingham’s water customers were we able to meet EPA’s requirements and deadlines for the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements,” said Stephanie Tarves, P.E., Senior Water & Wastewater Engineer.
“I want to thank Stephanie for managing this project from start to finish,” said City of Framingham Water and Wastewater Director Steve Leone.
Framingham's drinking water comes from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) and is treated to minimize the risk of lead leaching from pipes and plumbing fixtures.
The City will continue to monitor and update the Water Service Line Inventory as new information becomes available.
For more information, please visit the Water Service Line Information Page, email the Water Division at water@framinghamma.gov, or call 508-532-6050.
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