LeadPipeLookup

State overview

Lead service lines in New York

Aggregated lead pipe inventory data for all 8,291 public water systems in New York, serving approximately 19,602,970 residents.

Last verified from EPA SDWIS: 2026-04-14
Water systems
8,291
Population served
19,602,970
Known lead lines
1,440,929
Unknown material
4,422,940

Lead Service Lines in New York

What You Need to Know

New York's public water systems serve about 19.6 million people across 8,291 utilities. As of the latest inventory data, over 1.4 million lead service lines have been identified in the state—the pipes that connect homes to the water main.

Lead service lines are a real concern because lead can leach into drinking water, especially in homes with older plumbing. The good news: there are straightforward steps you can take to reduce exposure, and many utilities are working toward replacement programs.

How Many Lead Lines Are in New York?

Known lead service lines: 1.4 million Status unknown: 4.4 million

That second number matters. Many older homes have service lines whose material was never formally documented. Your utility may not know whether your line contains lead unless you ask or a recent inspection has been done.

What This Means for Your Home

If your home was built before 1980, your service line is more likely to be lead. Even if it is, water treatment can reduce lead levels. But replacement is the only way to eliminate the risk entirely.

What's Being Done About It?

New York has not yet received dedicated federal funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law's lead service line replacement program. However, many utilities have begun their own inventory and replacement efforts. The state's Department of Environmental Conservation continues to work with water systems to map lead service lines and develop replacement timelines.

Finding Out About Your Home

Contact your local water utility directly. Ask:

  • Does your system have a lead service line inventory?
  • Does your address have a lead service line, or is it unknown?
  • What replacement programs or financial assistance are available?

You can also request a water test through your utility or a certified lab to measure lead levels in your tap water.

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Next Steps for Residents

  • Contact your water utility and ask specifically about your service line material and any lead found in recent water tests.
  • Consider a water test if you're concerned—your utility can often provide guidance on approved labs.
  • Ask about replacement programs and whether your utility offers cost-sharing or full funding for line replacement.
  • Use a point-of-use filter certified to reduce lead (NSF 53) as a short-term measure while awaiting replacement, if needed.

Largest public water systems in New York

UtilityPWSIDPopulationKnown leadUnknown
TUSCARORA NATION SCHOOL020000015———
STEAMBURG WS020000004———
JIMMERSONTOWN WS020000001———
SAINT REGIS MOHAWK TRIBE020000005———
SULLIVAN HOLLOW020000016———
HIGHBANKS CAMPGROUND020000007———
CATTARAUGUS CWS020000008———
SHELTON TRAILER PARK020011102———
ONONDAGA NATION WS020000012———
NEW YORK CITY SYSTEMNY70034938,271,0001409
SUFFOLK COUNTY WATER AUTHORITYNY51105261,100,000—1
MCWANY2701047768,45814,56115,566
OCWANY3304336350,00017,25316,719
ECWA DIRECTNY1400443313,380101,786
BUFFALO WATER AUTHORITYNY1400422276,000101,786
VEOLIA WATER NEW YORKNY4303673270,0001523
LIBERTY UTILITIES NEW YORK - LYNBROOKNY2902835220,000172
YONKERS CITYNY5903465211,56917
ROCHESTER CITYNY2704518210,00014,56115,566
SYRACUSE CITYNY3304334192,00017,25316,719
VEOLIA WATER NEW YORK, INC. RD-1NY5903444146,7321523
LIBERTY UTILITIES NEW YORK - MERRICKNY2902840135,000172
MVWA - MOHAWK VALLEY WATER AUTHORITYNY3202411126,250110
WA OF WESTERN NASSAUNY2902830120,0002608
TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD WATER DEPARTMENTNY2900000110,0009180

Cities in New York

More on lead pipes in New York

Frequently asked about lead pipes in New York

How do I know if I have a lead service line in New York?

Contact your water utility directly and ask for your address's service line material. They should have or be building an inventory. If it's unknown, you can also hire a plumber to inspect your line, or request a water test to check lead levels.

Is lead in New York tap water dangerous?

Lead exposure, especially for young children, can affect brain development. If you're concerned about health risks, talk to your doctor or pediatrician. For detailed health information, visit the CDC website.

Does New York have a lead service line replacement program?

Many utilities in New York have started replacement programs, but coverage and funding vary widely. Contact your local water utility to ask about their timeline and whether financial assistance is available.

What can I do right now if I might have a lead service line?

Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking, use cold water for baby formula, and consider a NSF 53-certified water filter as a temporary step. Long-term, ask your utility about replacement options.