Data: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau (ACS) Last verified: 2026-05-03

Lead monitoring across Lawrence averages 0.0020 mg/L — short of the federal trigger requiring utilities to investigate and notify, though what flows from any given tap depends on that home's own pipes.

Lead Risk Overview

The average 90th percentile lead level in Lawrence, Massachusetts is 0.0020 mg/L. The EPA action level is 0.015 mg/L (15 parts per billion). This is within the EPA action level, though the EPA states there is no safe level of lead exposure.

Housing Age and Lead Risk

Lead plumbing solder was banned in 1986. Homes built before this date may have lead in:

• Solder joints connecting copper pipes
• Lead service lines connecting the water main to the home
• Brass fixtures and faucets containing up to 8% lead (pre-2014)

In Lawrence:

Factor	Value
Pre-1986 housing	83%
Median build year	1938
Median household income	$53,773
Population	88,877

With over half of housing stock built before 1986, Lawrence has elevated risk of lead in residential plumbing. This is particularly concerning for homes built before 1978 (when lead paint was also banned) and before 1950 (when lead pipes were most common).

Health Effects of Lead Exposure

Lead exposure is a serious public health concern with no safe level identified by the CDC:

Children (under 6):

• Developmental delays and learning difficulties
• Reduced IQ and attention span
• Behavioral problems
• Slowed growth

Adults:

• Kidney damage
• High blood pressure
• Reproductive issues
• Nerve disorders

Pregnant women are especially at risk — lead crosses the placenta and affects fetal development.

Three-Source Lead Data Confirmation

Lead risk is best understood by combining multiple data sources:

Cross-referencing multiple sources provides a more complete picture of lead risk than any single dataset.

Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR)

The EPA's revised Lead and Copper Rule (LCRR) requires all water systems to create a service line inventory by October 2024 and replace lead service lines within 10 years. Lawrence's water system is subject to these requirements.

Federal funding for Massachusetts:

Metric	Value
FY2025 LSLR allotment	$28.6M
Additional subsidy	49% available as grants/forgiveness
National total	$3.0B

This funding is available through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) for lead service line inventory and replacement projects in Massachusetts.

To check if your home has a lead service line:

1. Check your water utility's service line inventory (required to be publicly available)
2. Inspect where the pipe enters your home — lead pipes are dull gray and can be scratched with a key
3. Contact your water utility for a free service line inspection

Lead Risk by Housing Decade

The age of a home is one of the strongest predictors of lead risk in drinking water:

With a median build year of 1938, the typical home in Lawrence falls in the very high risk category for lead in plumbing. 83% of homes were built before the 1986 lead solder ban.

How to Test for Lead in Lawrence

DIY Test Kits ($20–$50)

• Available at hardware stores and online
• Collect a "first-draw" sample (water sitting in pipes 6+ hours)
• Send to an EPA-certified lab for analysis
• Results typically in 1–2 weeks

Professional Lab Testing ($150–$400)

• Comprehensive panel: lead, copper, bacteria, nitrates, and more
• Certified technician collects samples
• Best for homes built before 1986 or after a plumbing change

Free Testing Options

• Many water utilities offer free lead testing — call your provider
• Some states offer free testing for homes with children under 6
• Check your annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for system-wide results

What to Expect

• Below 0.005 mg/L (5 ppb): Low concern
• 0.005–0.015 mg/L (5–15 ppb): Consider filtration, especially with children
• Above 0.015 mg/L (15 ppb): Exceeds EPA action level — take immediate action
• Above 0.040 mg/L (40 ppb): Use bottled water while addressing the source

Lead Levels by ZIP Code

Lead levels vary across Lawrence's ZIP codes:

How to Reduce Lead Exposure

1. Flush your pipes — run cold water for 2+ minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
2. Use cold water for cooking and baby formula (hot water dissolves more lead)
3. Install a certified filter — look for NSF/ANSI Standard 53 certification for lead removal
4. Get your water tested — EPA-certified kits cost $20–$50
5. Replace lead service lines — check with your utility about replacement programs

Most Affected Areas

The ZIP code with the highest lead levels in Lawrence is 01840. Check your specific ZIP code for detailed lead testing results.

Data Sources

• Lead levels: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
• Housing data: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS)
• Health information: CDC and EPA public health guidelines
• Blood lead surveillance: CDC Childhood Blood Lead Surveillance (CBLS)
• LSLR funding: EPA DWSRF Lead Service Line Replacement allotments

Updated daily.

Lead Risk by ZIP Code in Lawrence

Lead risk varies across Lawrence's 4 ZIP codes based on housing age, water system, and testing results.

ZIP Code	Grade	Score	Violations
01841	C	55/100	0	View report →
01843	C	60/100	0	View report →
01840	C	65/100	0	View report →
01842	B	70/100	0	View report →

Low Lead Levels — Stay Protected

Lead levels in Lawrence are well below the EPA action level. To maintain this:

• Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking (especially in the morning)
• Replace faucet aerators every 6-12 months
• If renovating, use lead-free certified fixtures (NSF/ANSI 61)
• Test after any plumbing work