LeadPipeLookup

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Lead service lines in Utica, NY

6 water utilities serve Utica, with approximately 126,730 people served.

Last verified from EPA SDWIS + utility inventories: 2026-04-14
Known lead
6
Galvanized
0
Unknown
60
% unknown
90.9%

Lead service lines in Utica, NY

What we know about lead in Utica's water system

Utica serves about 126,730 people through 6 water systems. Of these, 6 systems have reported at least one known lead service line—the pipes that connect the public water main to homes. There are also 60 service lines with unknown material, which means they haven't been confirmed as lead or non-lead yet.

The largest system serving Utica is the Mohawk Valley Water Authority (MVWA), which provides water to about 126,250 residents and has reported 1 known lead service line. Several smaller systems serving businesses and recreational facilities—including Trails End Campground, Stonebridge Restaurant, Oriskany Hills Golf Club, and Sauquoit Knolls Golf Course—have also reported lead service lines.

Why this matters

Lead in drinking water comes primarily from lead service lines and lead solder in older plumbing. When water sits in these pipes, lead can leach into it. The risk is higher in homes built before 1986, when lead solder use was common.

Even low levels of lead exposure over time can affect health, particularly for young children and pregnant people. If you're concerned about lead in your home's water, testing is the only way to know for sure.

What you can do

Your first step is to find out which water system serves your home, then contact them directly to ask:

  • Whether your address is served by a known lead service line
  • If your service line material is unknown, whether they have plans to identify it
  • What free or reduced-cost testing they offer

You can also take steps now to reduce exposure while you investigate: run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking, use cold water for baby formula and cooking, and consider a water filter certified for lead removal.

Next steps for residents

  • Contact your water utility using the system names and ID numbers listed above to ask about your service line
  • Request a water test from your utility or a certified lab if you're concerned about lead levels
  • Visit the CDC website for guidance on reducing lead exposure and health information
  • Check for lead in paint and soil if your home was built before 1978, as these are often bigger lead sources than water

Utilities serving Utica

Common questions

How do I know if my house has a lead service line?

Contact your water utility with your address and ask whether your service line is known to be lead, unknown, or confirmed non-lead. You can also visually inspect the pipe where it enters your home—lead pipes are dull gray, soft, and can be scratched with a coin. The water utility has the most reliable information.

Is lead in water dangerous?

Lead exposure over time can affect health, especially in young children and pregnant people. There is no safe level of lead in drinking water. For specific health concerns, contact your pediatrician or the CDC.

How much does it cost to replace a lead service line?

Replacement costs vary widely depending on how deep the pipe is buried and local labor rates, typically $3,000–$25,000. Some water utilities offer cost-sharing or rebate programs. Contact your utility to ask about assistance programs.

Will a water filter remove lead?

Some filters can reduce lead, but they must be certified for lead removal—look for NSF/ANSI Standard 53. Filters require regular replacement to work effectively. A filter is a temporary measure, not a substitute for fixing a lead service line.