BOSTON (AP) — A federal report says Massachusetts is at greater risk than all but five other states from potentially corrosive ground water that could cause lead or other toxic metals in household pipes to leach into drinking water.

The report by the U.S. Geological Survey says 534,000 Massachusetts residents who draw their water from private wells are at the greatest risk because unlike public water systems, wells are not subject to state and federal testing and treatment requirements.

Ken Belitz, lead author of the report, tells The Boston Globe that people who use private wells should have their water tested at the tap.


Naturally corrosive water isn’t dangerous to consume.

Signs that metals have leached into water include bluish-green stains in sinks, a metallic taste, and small leaks in plumbing fixtures.