Malden Community Letter 2021

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Dear Water Customer,

Your water and sewer systems are provided to you through a collaborative effort between the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) and the City of Malden. The City works closely with the MWRA on testing and monitoring these systems in order to assure that regulatory standards are met.

The Malden water and sewer systems have been serving the community since the late 1800s. The Engineering and Water Departments are continuously updating and maintaining the water distribution system. One priority is our lead reduction program. The City continues to educate the public on the effects of lead in drinking water and of the potential for elevated lead levels in our drinking water. The results of the water tests for lead levels and related information can be seen on the City of Malden website and the MWRA website. As required, the Malden Water Department works with the MWRA to test water for lead levels each year. During the 2021 sampling period, Malden’s results were 20.6 parts per billion (ppb), which indicated that Malden was above the Action Level of 15 ppb for lead. The Copper result was 113 ppb, which indicate that Malden is below the Copper Action Level of 1300 ppb. Results from sampling in March of 2022 were 6.6 ppb for lead and 109 ppb for copper, both below their Action Levels.

A Lead Service Line Replacement program has been established that includes a long term commitment to replace at least 150 lead water services per year. In 2021, the Engineering Department in collaboration with the Department of Public Works exceeded this goal. The program requires that photos and documentation are maintained for each repair made. The updates are then aligned with the information provided on the Lead Water Service Map found on the City website. Efforts are also underway to create funding programs to assist with lead water service replacement on private property. In 2022, the City will utilize American Recovery Program Act (ARPA) funds to replace lead lines in areas that serve the most children and underserved population. The City, in partnership with the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (formerly the Malden Redevelopment Authority), also offers low-interest loans to help eligible homeowners finance the replacement of the private portion of lead service lines. For more information, please call the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development at 781-397-1940.

It should be noted that the water distribution systems of both Malden and the MWRA do not contain lead. However some properties built prior to 1987 may have lead water services and other lead piping components, which may contain lead. Studies have shown that infants and children who drink water containing lead in excess of the Action Level could experience delays in their physical or mental development. Children could show slight deficits in attention span and learning abilities. Adults who drink this water over many years could develop kidney problems or high blood pressure. The City of Malden wants all of its water customers to have access to the information and programs available regarding lead in the drinking water. Please visit the City’s website at www.cityofmalden.org and the MWRA’s website, www.mwra.com for information on meetings. You can also contact the City of Malden by calling 781-397-7040 for further information, or to schedule a free water test to identity lead levels in any house constructed prior to 1987 or for copies of free educational brochures about the hazards of lead.

Updated June 14, 2022