Malden Community Letter 2023

City of Malden, Massachusetts
Department Of Engineering
Malden Government Center
215 Pleasant St, Rm 320, Malden Massachusetts 02148
 

Public Water Supply
# 3165000

Dear Water Customer,

Your water and sewer service is provided to you through a collaborative effort between the MWRA and the City of Malden. The City works closely with the MWRA on testing and monitoring to assure that all regulatory standards are met.

The Malden water and sewer systems have been serving the community since the late 1800’s. The Engineering Department and Water Department are continuously updating and maintaining Malden’s water distribution system. One priority is its 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.

In 2023, Malden’s result for lead was 14.8 parts per billion (ppb), which was below the Action Level for lead of 15 ppb. The copper result was 132 ppb, which was below the copper Action Level of 1300 ppb. The results are shown below:

The water distribution systems (main pipes) of both Malden and the MWRA do not contain lead. However, some properties built prior to 1987 may have lead water services or other water-piping component, which may contain lead. Studies have shown that infants and children who drink water with lead levels in excess of the action level could experience delays in their physical or mental development. Adults who drink this water over many years could develop kidney problems or high blood pressure. The City of Malden wants all its water customers to have access to the information and programs available regarding lead in the drinking water.

A Lead Service Line Replacement program has been established that includes a long-term commitment to replace at least 150 lead service lines per year. In 2023 the Engineering Department, in collaboration with the Department of Water Utilities, exceeded this goal. As part of the overall plan, photos and documentation are now kept for each repair made, and the Lead Water Service Map found on the City website at: www.cityofmalden.org/222/Find-out-if-You-Have-Lead-Service-Lines is updated. Efforts are also underway to create funding programs to assist with lead service line replacement on private property. In 2024, the City will utilize American Recovery Program Act (ARPA) funds to replace lead lines in areas with the most children and underserved populations. 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.

Please visit the city’s website at www.cityofmalden.org for up to date information and meetings. You can also contact the City of Malden by calling 781-397-7040 for further information, to schedule a free service line inspection, for a free water test to identify lead levels in any house constructed prior to 1985, or for copies of free educational brochures about the hazards of lead. Please share this information with anyone who may not have received this notice directly. Thank you.

Malden Engineering Department
Malden Water Utilities Department