RED-ROCHESTER DWS Lead Service Line Inventory
RED-ROCHESTER DWS serves about 3,034 people in New York. The utility has completed an inventory of the pipes that carry water from the main line to homes—including which ones contain lead.
What the inventory shows
The utility has inventoried 56,540 service lines. Here's the breakdown:
- Known lead: 14,561 lines
- Non-lead: 26,413 lines
- Unknown material: 15,566 lines
About one in four inventoried lines contains lead. The "unknown" category is significant—those lines' material hasn't been confirmed yet, so the actual number of lead lines could be higher.
What this means for your home
If your address is on a lead service line, water sitting in that pipe overnight or for several hours can pick up lead. The risk is highest for:
- Infants and young children
- Pregnant people
- People with kidney disease
If you're concerned about lead exposure, contact your doctor or pediatrician. The CDC has guidance on testing and reducing exposure.
What you can do now
Start by finding out whether your home has a lead service line. Contact RED-ROCHESTER DWS directly—they can tell you what material your service line is made of based on your address.
If you do have lead, the utility may offer replacement assistance or have a replacement plan in progress. Ask about timelines and any funding available.
In the meantime, run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking if water has been sitting in pipes for more than a few hours. Don't use hot water for drinking or cooking, since hot water dissolves lead more easily.
State and federal support
New York utilities are required to replace lead service lines. Funding is available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and state programs. Ask your utility whether you qualify for assistance.
---
Next steps for residents
- Contact RED-ROCHESTER DWS to find out whether your home's service line is lead, non-lead, or unknown
- If it's unknown, ask what the utility recommends to confirm the material
- If it's lead, ask about replacement programs, costs, and timelines
- For health questions, speak with your doctor or local health department
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 house has a lead service line?
Contact RED-ROCHESTER DWS with your address. They can look up your service line material in their inventory. The utility may also offer a free inspection if the material is unknown.
What should I do if my water line is lead?
The safest long-term solution is replacement. Ask your utility about replacement programs, costs, and whether you qualify for state or federal funding assistance. In the meantime, run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking if water has sat in pipes for more than a few hours.
Is the water safe to drink right now?
RED-ROCHESTER DWS tests water quality and reports results to the public. Check the utility's most recent water quality report or contact them directly. If you have health concerns—especially for infants, young children, or pregnant people—speak with your doctor or pediatrician.
Will the utility replace my lead service line for free?
Many utilities offer assistance, but programs vary. Contact RED-ROCHESTER DWS to ask about replacement programs, cost-sharing, and eligibility. New York has state and federal funding available for lead line replacement.