Lead Service Lines in Town of Hempstead Water Department
What you need to know
The Town of Hempstead Water Department serves about 110,000 people in New York. The utility has begun inventorying lead service lines—the pipes that connect the public water main to homes—and has identified 9 confirmed lead service lines so far.
However, the inventory is incomplete. Of the 222 lines surveyed to date, 180 remain unknown—meaning their material hasn't been confirmed yet. This is common; many older utilities are still testing pipes to determine what they're made of. Until testing is complete, some homes may have lead service lines that haven't been flagged.
Why this matters
Lead service lines can leach lead into drinking water, especially if water is corrosive or treatment isn't optimized. Children are at highest risk; even small amounts of lead exposure can affect brain development. Adults may face kidney and blood pressure effects.
If your home was built before the 1980s and is in an older part of town, there's a higher statistical chance your service line contains lead.
What's being done
The Town of Hempstead is cataloging its service lines to understand the full scope of the problem. Once the inventory is complete, the utility will develop a replacement plan and timeline.
What you should do now:
- Contact the Town of Hempstead Water Department directly to ask if your address has been tested and what material your service line is made of.
- If you're concerned about lead exposure—especially if you have young children or are pregnant—have your water tested or ask your utility about free testing programs.
- Use a certified lab (search "EPA certified lead test" + your state for options).
Next steps for residents
- Call your water utility and request information about your specific service line. Have your address ready.
- Test your water if you're concerned, or ask the utility if they offer free testing.
- Learn more about lead in drinking water at the CDC's lead page.
- Ask about replacement if your line is confirmed lead. Many utilities offer assistance programs.
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Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 222 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does the Town of Hempstead have lead in the water?
The utility has confirmed 9 lead service lines so far, but 180 additional lines haven't been tested yet. Lead is found in the pipes that connect homes to the main water line, not always in the water itself. Contact your utility to find out if your line has been tested.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Call the Town of Hempstead Water Department with your address and ask. They can tell you if your line has been tested and what material it is. You can also dig up the pipe near your home's foundation and look at it—lead is soft and gray, and scratches easily with a knife.
Is lead in drinking water dangerous?
Lead can be harmful, especially to children and pregnant people. For health questions, talk to your pediatrician or contact the CDC. You can reduce exposure by running water for 30 seconds before drinking it and using cold water for cooking.
How much does it cost to replace a lead service line?
Costs vary widely depending on how deep the line is buried and local labor rates. Many utilities offer partial funding or low-interest loans. Contact the Town of Hempstead Water Department to ask about assistance programs in your area.