Lead Service Line Inventory Project and Ongoing Compliance Efforts
The Auburn Water District (AWD) is providing an update on its ongoing efforts to identify and address lead service lines in compliance with new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations under the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI).
This effort is part of a nationwide federal initiative requiring public water systems across the country to inventory service line materials and replace any lead service lines that may be identified. This is not a situation unique to Auburn; it is a standard regulatory requirement for all public water systems.
By the initial EPA deadline of October 2024, AWD submitted its service line material inventory to Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). Based on this inventory and associated inspections:
- Zero (0) service line connections were confirmed to be made of lead
- Fifteen (15) service connections were classified as Galvanized Requiring Replacement (GRR)
- 1,204 service connections were classified as unknown, meaning they may contain lead and/or galvanized materials
As required by federal regulations, customers with service lines classified as unknown will receive annual notification letters until the service line material is confirmed.
During the spring and summer of 2025, AWD conducted exploratory excavations at more than 140 locations to visually verify service line materials. Customers at these locations were notified in advance. Service Line Excavation Notice letters were sent prior to inspection.
Auburn Water District emphasizes that water leaving its treatment facilities is lead-free. The District uses corrosion control treatment to prevent lead and copper from leaching into drinking water from household plumbing. In addition, Auburn Water District also conducts regular water quality testing at customer locations to ensure compliance with all state and federal drinking water standards.
Lead and Copper Testing
Lead and copper compliance in Massachusetts is determined using the 90th percentile of samples collected from at least 30 MassDEP-approved, high-risk sampling sites. Compliance is achieved when lead concentrations are at or below 15 parts per billion (ppb) and copper concentrations are at or below 1.3 parts per million (ppm). If these Action Levels (ALs) are exceeded, water suppliers are required to implement corrective actions. Auburn Water District is in full compliance with applicable state and federal regulations for lead and copper levels in drinking water.
2025 Testing Results
Testing is conducted every year. In 2025, the District sampled 30 sites for lead and copper during the fall.
The next regulatory milestone is November 1, 2027, when AWD must submit a Baseline Inventory, including a full service line replacement plan if lead service lines are identified. Federal regulations require that all lead service lines be fully replaced within 10 years of the rule’s finalization.
Auburn Water District remains committed to providing safe, reliable drinking water and maintaining transparency with the public as this work continues.