Lead Service Lines in LIBERTY UTILITIES NEW YORK - MERRICK
What you need to know
LIBERTY UTILITIES NEW YORK - MERRICK serves about 135,000 people across the system. The utility has inventoried 229 service lines—the pipes that connect the main water line under the street to homes.
Of those inventoried lines, 17 are confirmed lead service lines. An additional 2 lines have unknown material. The remaining 210 are non-lead.
A lead service line is a potential source of lead in drinking water, especially in homes built before the 1980s. Lead can leach from the pipe into water, particularly if water is corrosive or hasn't been used for several hours.
What this means for your home
Whether your home is affected depends on its age, location, and the specific pipe material. If you live in an older neighborhood or your home was built before 1950, the risk is higher—but lead service lines were used in some areas through the 1980s.
The good news: even if you have a lead service line, you can reduce exposure significantly. Running water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking, using cold water for consumption (hot water dissolves lead faster), and regular filter maintenance all help lower risk.
If you're concerned about a child under 6 in your home, talk to your pediatrician about a blood lead test. The CDC offers guidance on reducing lead exposure in drinking water.
Finding your service line
Contact LIBERTY UTILITIES NEW YORK - MERRICK directly. Ask whether your address is on the inventory list and what material your service line is made of. The utility should have records from when your line was installed or replaced. You can also request a water quality test focusing on lead.
Some utilities provide this information online; others require a phone call or in-person visit.
Replacement options
If you have a lead service line, full replacement is the permanent solution. In New York, there may be state or federal funding available to offset costs. Ask your utility about current replacement programs or payment assistance.
Next steps for residents
- Contact your utility to confirm whether your home has a lead service line on record
- Request your address's inventory details and ask about free or subsidized replacement programs
- Use interim precautions now—run water before drinking, use cold water for consumption
- Consult your pediatrician if children under 6 live in your home and you're concerned about lead exposure
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 229 |
|---|---|
| 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 in Merrick?
Contact LIBERTY UTILITIES NEW YORK - MERRICK with your address to check their inventory. The utility has inventoried 229 lines across the system, with 17 confirmed as lead. Ask them directly whether your specific address is on that list.
How do I know if lead is in my drinking water?
The only way to know is to test your water. You can request a water quality test from the utility, or use a certified lab. Even homes with lead service lines don't always have elevated lead levels, depending on water chemistry and how long water has sat in pipes.
Is it safe to drink the water if I have a lead service line?
The risk depends on several factors—water chemistry, pipe age, and usage patterns. You can significantly reduce exposure by running water 30 seconds before drinking, using cold water for drinking and cooking, and maintaining any filters. A water test will tell you your actual lead level.
Can my water utility replace the lead service line for free?
New York and federal programs may offer grants or low-cost financing for replacement. Ask LIBERTY UTILITIES NEW YORK - MERRICK about current replacement assistance programs in your area.