RED-ROCHESTER IWS Lead Service Line Inventory
RED-ROCHESTER IWS serves approximately 2,185 people in New York. Like all US water utilities, it is required to maintain an inventory of lead service lines—the pipes that connect the main water line under the street to individual homes.
What the inventory shows
RED-ROCHESTER IWS has inventoried 56,540 service lines. Of those:
- 14,561 are known to contain lead
- 26,413 are confirmed lead-free
- 15,566 have unknown status (often older lines where records are incomplete or the material was not yet identified)
The utility has not yet identified galvanized service lines in its inventory records, though some may exist and require further testing.
Why this matters
Lead service lines are the most common source of lead in drinking water. Lead can leach into water, especially in homes with older plumbing or where water chemistry is corrosive. Even small amounts of lead exposure can affect children's development and learning.
If your home was built before 1980, there is a higher statistical chance your service line contains lead. The only way to know for certain is to have your water tested and your service line material verified by your utility.
What you should do
Contact RED-ROCHESTER IWS directly to:
- Ask whether your specific service line is lead or unknown
- Request a free or low-cost water test if you haven't had one done
- Ask about replacement programs or financial assistance for lead line removal
If your service line is lead or unknown, the CDC recommends flushing your tap water before drinking it (run cold water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes) and using cold water for cooking and drinking, since hot water leaches lead more readily.
Next steps for residents
- Contact your water utility — call RED-ROCHESTER IWS and ask about your service line status
- Get your water tested — request a free test from your utility or find a certified lab
- Check your home's age — if built before 1980, lead line risk is higher; if before 1986, you may also have lead in interior plumbing fixtures
- Learn about replacement options — ask your utility about loan programs, grants, or installment plans for lead line removal
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 56,540 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
How do I know if my home has a lead service line?
Contact RED-ROCHESTER IWS with your address and ask them to check their inventory. If they say your line is "unknown," request a water test or have a plumber inspect the pipe material where it enters your home. The only certain way is testing or visual inspection.
Is lead in my water dangerous?
Lead can be harmful, especially to children and pregnant people. Even low levels can affect development. If you're concerned about health effects, contact your pediatrician or call the CDC's lead hotline at 1-800-CDC-INFO. Flushing your tap before drinking reduces short-term risk.
What should I do if my service line is lead?
Ask RED-ROCHESTER IWS about replacement programs, grants, or low-interest loans. In the meantime, flush your tap before drinking, use cold water for cooking and drinking, and consider a certified water filter if you want added protection.
Why does my utility have so many unknown service lines?
Utilities are still completing inventories—it's a years-long process. Unknown lines are often older and have incomplete records. Your utility must eventually identify or test these lines; you can ask them for a timeline.