Lead Service Lines in WA OF WESTERN NASSAU

What you need to know

WA OF WESTERN NASSAU serves about 120,000 people in New York. The water system has identified 260 homes with lead service lines—the pipes that carry water from the main water line under the street into your home.

Lead service lines are a real concern. If your home is connected with one, lead can leach into your drinking water, especially if the water is corrosive or hasn't sat in the pipes for hours. The good news: this risk is manageable through simple steps you can take right now.

What the inventory shows

The water system has inventoried 270 service lines so far:

• 260 confirmed lead
• 8 unknown (pipe material not yet confirmed)
• 2 non-lead

That "unknown" group matters. If your home is one of those 8, the utility should follow up to determine whether your line is lead. Ask them about it—they're required to investigate.

Does your home have a lead service line?

Your service line is the pipe running from the water main to your meter or home. You typically can't see it (it's underground), but the utility should know. Contact WA OF WESTERN NASSAU directly and ask:

• "Does my address have a lead service line?"
• "What's the status of my property in your service line inventory?"

Provide your address. They should give you a straight answer.

What to do if you have one

If you do have a lead service line, you have options:

Short term: Run cold tap water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking, especially after the water has sat overnight. Use cold water for drinking and cooking (hot water holds more lead). Consider a NSF-certified water filter rated for lead as an extra layer of protection.

Long term: The permanent solution is replacement. The service line itself is your responsibility once it enters your property; the section under the street is the utility's. Ask WA OF WESTERN NASSAU about their replacement program, timeline, and what financial help might be available. Federal funding has been allocated for lead service line replacement across the country—your utility can explain what applies in your area.

Questions for your water utility

Have these details handy when you call:

• Your address
• Your account number (on your water bill)

Ask specifically about their lead service line replacement plan and any utility-funded programs.

Next steps for residents

• Contact WA OF WESTERN NASSAU to ask if your home's service line is lead.
• If you have a lead service line, use cold water for drinking and cooking, and flush before use.
• Ask about replacement programs and whether your utility or New York State offers cost-sharing or grants.
• Talk to your pediatrician if you have young children and want to discuss testing or precautions.

Can I tell if my water line is made of lead?

Not by looking—service lines are buried underground. Your water utility has this information in their inventory. Call them with your address and ask directly. If they've already tested or identified your line, they should tell you.

Is lead in water dangerous for my family?

Lead can accumulate in the body over time, especially in young children and pregnant people. For health concerns, talk to your pediatrician or contact the CDC. Your water utility can tell you whether your water is being treated to reduce lead leaching.

How much does it cost to replace a lead service line?

Replacement typically costs $3,000–$8,000, but costs vary by location and depth. Many utilities now offer cost-sharing, rebates, or grants. Ask WA OF WESTERN NASSAU about programs available to you—federal funding has been allocated for this purpose.

What does a water filter do for lead?

NSF-certified filters rated for lead can reduce lead in your tap water. They're a short-term measure while you arrange for line replacement, but they don't fix the source problem. Check the filter's certification and replace it on schedule.