Lead Service Lines in MVWA – MOHAWK VALLEY WATER AUTHORITY
MVWA serves about 126,250 people across the Mohawk Valley region in New York. Like many older water systems, some homes may still have lead service lines—the pipes that connect the main water line under the street to your home.
What we know about lead pipes in your service area
MVWA has inventoried 12 service lines so far. Of these:
- 1 is confirmed lead
- 10 are unknown (either not yet tested or the material is unclear)
- 1 is non-lead
This is early-stage inventory work. Most water systems are still in the process of identifying which pipes are lead, so the "unknown" category is common and doesn't mean those pipes are safe—it means they haven't been confirmed yet.
Why this matters
Lead pipes can corrode and release lead into your water, especially if your water is naturally soft or acidic. Even small amounts matter, particularly for children and pregnant people. The only way to know for sure if your service line is lead is to have it tested or replaced.
What you should do now
Contact MVWA directly to ask:
- Does your address have a lead service line?
- What's the status of the inventory in your neighborhood?
- What testing or replacement options are available?
- Are there any funding programs to help pay for replacement?
If you're concerned about lead in your water right now, you can also:
- Use a point-of-use filter certified to reduce lead (look for NSF/ANSI 53 certification) while you get answers
- Flush cold water before drinking or cooking if water has sat in pipes for several hours
- Test your water through a certified lab if you want confirmation
Lead exposure is a health issue, not just a plumbing one. If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your pediatrician or doctor about testing and what precautions make sense for your household.
Next steps for residents
- Call MVWA to ask about your specific address and service line material
- Request a copy of their lead service line inventory or replacement plan if available
- Consider testing your tap water through a certified lab if you want immediate answers
- Look into rebates or grants your utility or state may offer for lead service line replacement
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 12 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
How do I know if I have a lead service line?
Contact MVWA directly with your address. They can tell you if your service line is known to be lead, non-lead, or still unknown. You can also ask a plumber to inspect the pipe where it enters your home, though that's not always conclusive.
Is lead service line water safe to drink?
Lead leaches from pipes slowly over time, especially in soft or acidic water. There is no completely safe level of lead for children. A point-of-use filter certified for lead (NSF 53) can reduce risk while you work on testing or replacement.
How much does it cost to replace a lead service line?
Replacement costs vary widely (typically $3,000–$10,000+), but many utilities now offer rebates, grants, or low-interest loans to help. Ask MVWA about programs available in your area.
Is my water utility required to replace lead pipes?
Federal rules require utilities to identify and notify customers about lead service lines. Most states have rules about replacement timelines, but they vary. MVWA can explain what's required in New York and what they're planning.