Lead in Beverly Water: Essex County's Seasonal Trends and Treatment Options

Lead Level Trends in Beverly's Water System

Data reflects the 90th percentile of lead measured at consumer taps on 2025-12-31

The most recent EPA sampling for the Salem and Beverly Water Supply Board, servicing Beverly, recorded lead at 0.0017 mg/L at the 90th percentile. This figure is drawn from distribution system sampling, reflecting lead levels in plumbing, not the source water itself.

Seasonal or multi-year variation is tracked via periodic sampling

Lead concentrations in consumer taps can vary with time due to changes in water chemistry and pipe conditions. The EPA’s ongoing testing framework provides snapshots at intervals, confirming that lead remains low without persistent spikes in the system over multiple years.

Entry of Lead into Beverly's Water Distribution

Lead primarily originates from plumbing materials within homes or buildings

In Beverly and Essex County, source water is surface water treated by multiple processes, with no detected lead at the intake. Lead entering the tap water is typically from corrosion of household plumbing components, not from the water supply.

Treatment processes in the public system focus on corrosion control

The Salem and Beverly Water Supply Board applies a range of treatment steps documented by EPA process codes, designed in part to minimize lead leaching by stabilizing water chemistry.

Comparing Lead Levels in Beverly with Neighboring Essex County Areas

Similar surface water sources and treatment frameworks suggest comparable lead levels

Neighboring communities in Essex County that share surface water sources and treatment approaches generally reflect lead concentrations in the same order of magnitude. Differences often arise from local plumbing materials and building ages rather than source water.

Regional data should not be assumed to represent individual home conditions

While system-wide samples give a snapshot of lead presence, individual household plumbing tests are necessary to understand specific lead exposure risks.

Improving Tap Water Quality with a Fleck Lead in Water Filter

The Fleck System targets lead reduction at the point of water use

This water filter technology is designed to reduce lead and similar metals in home water by filtering water after it leaves the public system and enters household plumbing, addressing lead that may come from pipes or fixtures.

Filtered water can protect sensitive fixtures and daily water uses

Using a lead filter on drinking and cooking faucets ensures lower lead exposure where water is consumed or used for food preparation, enhancing peace of mind without dependence on source water conditions.

Fixtures and Processes Most Affected by Lead and Benefit from Filtering

Drinking and cooking water faucets see the most direct benefit

Lead filtering is most critical on faucets used for ingesting water, where lead uptake is a direct health concern.

Small appliances and ice makers also warrant filtered water

Appliances that store or produce consumable water benefit from lead filtration to prevent buildup or exposure over time.

Choosing appropriate water treatment equipment involves understanding system-wide data and local plumbing conditions. In Beverly, available records show low lead levels in the public water system, while lead filters like the Fleck Lead in Water Filter offer targeted protection against lead from household sources.

Testing your home's water is the key step to determine if point-of-use filtering is necessary, helping you select the right solution for your household’s health and water quality needs.

Where this information comes from

Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2025-12-31. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.

On record: EPA SDWIS record for SALEM AND BEVERLY WATER SUPPLY BOARD (MA3030001), surface water supply, serving 90330 people: 0 health-based violations of 15 total; lead 90th percentile 0.0017 mg/L