ECWA EVANS Lead Service Line Inventory
What you need to know
ECWA EVANS serves about 12,300 people in New York. The utility has inventoried 7,406 service lines so far—the pipes that connect the water main to individual homes and buildings.
Of those inventoried lines, they've found:
- 10 confirmed lead service lines
- 5,610 non-lead lines
- 1,786 lines with unknown materials
This means the inventory is still incomplete. Nearly 24% of the lines they've checked have unknown status, and there may be additional uninventoried lines beyond the 7,406 already surveyed.
Why this matters
Lead service lines pose a real health risk, especially for children and pregnant people. Even "low" lead levels can affect brain development. If your home was built before 1986, there's a higher chance your service line contains lead, since lead pipes were common in older construction.
The unknown lines are particularly important: your home's service line could be made of lead, galvanized steel (which can corrode and leach lead), or safer materials. You won't know unless your utility tests it or you get your water tested.
What ECWA EVANS is doing
The utility is required by law to complete a full inventory of all service lines and develop a plan to replace the lead ones. However, we don't have current information on their replacement timeline or whether they've received funding for replacements.
What you should do now
Contact your water utility directly for:
- Whether your specific address has a lead service line
- Their timeline for completing the full inventory
- Their replacement plan and schedule
- Whether they offer free or subsidized testing
- Whether you're eligible for replacement funding or financial assistance
You can also have your water tested independently through a certified lab—this tells you what's actually in your tap water right now, regardless of the pipe material.
Next steps for residents
- Call ECWA EVANS and ask if your service line has been inventoried and what material it is
- Request a water test from the utility or a private certified lab if you're concerned
- Check your home's age — if it was built before 1986, lead service lines are more likely
- Reduce exposure while you investigate: run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, use cold water for cooking and baby formula, and consider a pitcher filter as a temporary measure
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 7,406 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does my house have a lead service line?
You can find out by contacting ECWA EVANS directly—they have an inventory. Your home's age, location in the service area, and previous water main work all affect the likelihood. The utility should be able to tell you what material connects your home to the main.
Is the lead in the pipe or in my tap water?
Lead gets into tap water when it leaches from the service line, solder, or fixtures—not from the water source itself. The only way to know if lead is actually in your water is to have it tested by a certified lab.
How long does it take to replace a lead service line?
A single replacement typically takes a few days. However, ECWA EVANS must complete an inventory first and then schedule replacements on a timeline. Contact the utility for their specific replacement schedule and whether they offer cost assistance.
What can I do right now if I'm worried about lead?
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking, use cold water for baby formula, and consider a pitcher filter as a temporary measure. You can also have your water tested independently while you wait for your utility's inventory results.