Mayor announces expansion of lead replacement incentive program for Boston

Mayor Martin Walsh last week announced the expansion of Boston Water and Sewer Commission Lead Replacement Incentive Program to encourage Boston’s homeowners to replace private lead water service at their property.

“The health and safety of our residents is our top priority and in Boston we are making significant strides towards replacing the remaining lead pipes across the city,” said Mayor Walsh. “It is our hope that residents will take advantage of this program to replace lead water service at their property to help us move the City of Boston towards a safer housing stock and a healthier city.”

This program expands eligibility to properties of all types including commercial, with lead service lines two inches or smaller. The expansion doubles available financial assistance in the form of a credit of up to $2,000 to homeowners who utilize a BWSC contractor to replace lead pipes on their property. Another incentive includes an interest free loan for up to 48 months for eligible property owners.

Under the previous incentive program, eligibility was restricted to one, two and three family residential properties and financial assistance was limited to a credit of up to $1,000 with an interest free loan of 24 months.

The redesigned program highlights the Administration’s commitment to protecting the health and safety of Boston’s residents. Excessive amounts of lead in the body can cause health risks, especially to young children and pregnant women.

Since 2005, the Program was responsible for replacing 1,391 private lead services.

For more information about the program, residents are encouraged to call the Lead Hotline at: 617-989-7888.