November 14, 2024
On October 8, 2024 the federal government issued a final rule lowering the threshold under which lead can be found in public and private water supplies. It requires all drinking water systems across the country to identify and replace lead and galvanized metal pipes in their systems by 2037. It is being administered through the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and locally through the MA Department of Environmental Protection (MA DEP).
The Town of Bedford is a drinking water supplier to 4,907 customers, or approximately 99% of Bedford's residential and business services (others have wells). It regularly tests for lead and copper in the water system and has never exceeded the current federal and state standards. To achieve this new threshold the Town, through the Public Works Department, is investigating both the customer side piping (on private property) and public side piping (under the roads) for every service. The Town anticipates completing the program as soon as possible but within the next three years.
Through its meter replacement program the Town has confirmed the material of 91%, or approximately 8,915, of the service segments. It found one lead service and three galvanized metal services and replaced them immediately. This leaves approximately 899 to be investigated. Over the next week customers on these remaining services will be receiving letters with a variety of information about the replacement program, ranging from next steps on the program to the health effects of lead.
If any lead or galvanized steel piping is found it will be replaced immediately at no cost to the customer. For updates and additional information please check the Town's web page.